The Municipal AIDS Committee of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Municipal Health Directorate commemorated the 2022 World AIDS Day Celebrations on Thursday, 1st December, 2022 at the Osiem community. The theme for the celebration was “Equalize” 20 years of a Multi-Sectoral HIV response: Accelerating Progress to end AIDS.
ACTIVITES TO MARK THE DAY
- Created public awareness of the disease through the local FM station and Community Information Centers across the municipality
- Engaged Senior High Schools on the disease in the municipality
- Embarked on community sensitization through the Mosques and Churches
- Organized free HIV/AIDS, ENT, EYE screening.
MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC
In his address to the gathering, the MCE, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga read the 2022 WAD message and emphasized on the rampant spread of the virus within the Municipality and the country as a whole. He indicated that the Municipality recorded 13,989 new cases from January to September, 2022 whilst 23,495 new HIV cases had been recorded in the country as a whole. He advised the public to avoid stigmatizing People Living with HIV(PLHIV) and avoid depriving them of their rights as citizens so that they will fill accepted in society, take their medication in other to remain healthy and reduce the spread, which is what the theme seeks to achieve. He said the medication is provided free by the government and it help to suppress the virus in the system and prevent it from weakening the immune system.
On her part, the Municipal HIV Coordinator, Madam Cecilai Okorley, stated that the Agenda ‘95’, ‘95’, ‘95’ is a progress that seek to focus on ensuring that 95% of infected persons are aware of their status and are taking their HIV medications. She encouraged every individual to test at the health centers to know their status for the treatment to avoid getting to the deadly stage (AIDS) of the disease. She urged parents to open up with their children on sexual discussions at home to create the needed awareness of reproductive health issues.
On his part, the Municipal Health Director, Mr. Abdulai Aziz indicated that the increasing number of infected cases in the county is not communicated to the public to instill fear in them but to rather create the awareness that the spread of the virus can deteriorate the development of the country. He therefore urged all to test and know their status and those infected to take their medication
Condom Activation
The Regional Technical Supporting Unit provided free condoms for distribution to the public. These condoms were distributed to the youth at the screening grounds and were encouraged to continue the use of condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse to prevent any infection including HIV.