By: Fred Duhoe | Voltaonlinegh.com |
Ms Golda Asante, HIV and AIDS Consultant has charged politicians especially government to lead the way in waging endless campaign against the high HIV infection prevalence in the country.
She was of the firm belief that Ghana AIDS Commission is situated at the seat of the presidency for a reason; to give priority to the AIDS epidemic.
“Imagine the impact it will make when a member of parliament in your area talks to people in his constituency about HIV prevention or stigmatisation. The prevalence would have reduced more than we’re seeing today,” she observed.
Ms Asante made the call during a workshop for journalists on HIV and AIDS reporting on Wednesday in Ho, organised by African Centre for Development Reporting (ACEDEV) with sponsorship from US President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The workshop offered the participants opportunity to imbibe new terminologies and how to pitch stories with emphasis on the ambitious agenda 90-90-90 which aims to get 90 per cent of people tested for the virus with 90 per cent of those diagnosed placed on treatment and to achieve 90 per cent viral load suppression by 2020.
Ms Asante expressed hope of making progress with the agenda, saying, “with the emergency services of the 90-90-90 strategy, it’s our firm hope and belief that by the year 2020, 90 per cent of projected annual figure of people living with HIV will know their status. The second 90 is a target to ensure 90 per cent of those infected are put on treatment as soon as possible and must be sustained while the last 90 is aimed at suppression of the viral load to the barest minimum so the risk of transfer from person to person is low.”
“As part of this 90-90-90 fast track strategy, we take advantage of every gathering and ensure testing is offered to participants in every programme so we ensure we achieve the target by 2020,” she added.
PEPFAR is celebrating its 15 years of dedicated service to championing the course of educating and sensitising people to get tested and receive treatment in order to save lives, under the theme: “15 Years of Saving Lives through American Generosity and Partnerships” as the world marks World AIDS Day this Saturday in the Volta Regional Capital of Ho.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
