First Lady Lordina Mahama, has reiterated that Ghana is committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
She made the remark in Sunyani on Thursday when she organised a community health screening exercise in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission. The initiative is the second in a series, following an earlier one held in Accra.
Lordina Mahama urged traditional and religious leaders to use their respected positions to promote healthy and responsible behaviour within their communities.
She encouraged parents to hold open, honest conversations with their children about health and sexuality, and called on teachers to guide students with accurate, stigma-free information about HIV.
More than 334,000 Ghanaians are currently living with HIV, with the Bono Region among the most affected. She described the situation as deeply concerning and called for stronger efforts in education, prevention, and early testing to help reduce infections.
As President of the Lordina Foundation, she emphasised that health is the foundation of national development.
‘’Without good health, productivity falls and communities struggle to thrive.’’ She said.
She highlighted the value of screening programmes, adding that bringing health services closer to the people is an investment in Ghana’s shared future.Ghana travel guide
The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Budu II, who is also President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, expressed worry about rising HIV cases, particularly among people aged 25 to 40.
He stressed that the screening exercise was a crucial public health intervention, not a political activity, and encouraged all present to get tested and take advantage of the education provided.
Sister Diana, who has lived with HIV since 1989, shared her story of facing stigma at a time when public awareness was limited. She emphasised that with proper care and monitoring, people living with HIV can lead healthy, productive lives. Her children’s support, she said, strengthened her resolve and inspired her to advocate for HIV awareness.
