Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has expressed concern over the high prevalent rate of HIV/Aids in the country, despite efforts put in place to stop the spread of the pandemic, saying “it is a matter of great concern.”
Addressing a team led by Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, Acting Director General of Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), in Sekondi recently, the Minister advised the Commission to intensify the camping against the pandemic, knowing the dangers associated with the deadly virus.
Although Ghana made improved strides, it will appear that stakeholders have become comfortable and complacency is beginning to set the nation’s Aids campaign backward.
“We need to keep our focus,” he admonished.
He said the alarming statistics from the Western Region, regarding prevalent rate of the HIV/ Aids is unhealthy.
“All the stakeholders must be brought on board to retrace the right steps for us to make meaningful progress.”
Minister Joseph Nelson applauded the Director General for leveraging on his network to hit the ground running, saying “Your presence here will do a lot”.
He called on health workers and all key stakeholders fighting the pandemic to put in their maximum efforts.
He also called for concerted efforts to improve the operational tactics of those waging the campaign.
“How we are able to partner to work is also very important. I will be available to support you”.
He said the impact of collaboration would show by next year and that should change the narrative going into the future.
“I am going to do everything that I can to get them (MMDC’s) to understand where we are and what we must do”.
Minister Nelson said he would constantly stand by the commission to get results. “You have my full support and you will have the support of all MMDCEs so we can see meaningful progress”.
Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong on his part expressed satisfaction about the warm reception.
Updating the Minister on current prevalent rate of HIV/AIDS, the Director General said the response was very dear to stakeholders.
The mandate of the Aids Commission, he underscored, is to coordinate response, source for funds and provide accurate data.
He said the Commission has made significant strides over the years through the campaign being waged, but warned that any attempt to take eyes off the ball would not inure to the benefit of the country.
He appealed to the Minister to intervene and secure support for the focal persons to win the war against spread of the disease. According to him, Ghana-Aids Commission always works with focal persons to achieve the desired results.
He mentioned lack of funds for focal persons to work as one of the visible challenges. He also asked for the Minister’s support to get local Assemblies to support focal persons in their respective areas.
He revealed that the national prevalent rate currently stood at 1.53 whilst that of Western Regionis I.82%. The Director General attributed the high prevent rate of the disease in the region to illegal mining (Gallamsey) activities.
