By Rachel Kakraba
The 2025 World AIDS Day has been launched in Accra with a call on the private sector to play an active role in Ghana’s HIV and AIDS response. The Board chairman of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Kakra Essamuah esq, who made the call, emphasized that while government and development partners continue to provide significant support, the private sector remains an underutilized partner in the national HIV response.
He said it is time for businesses to invest in workplace HIV programmes, as the disease affects the workforce which negatively affects productivity, hence the need for the private sector to lend a hand to the efforts.
“For far too long, the HIV response has been treated as the exclusive responsibility of government and external donors, and yet HIV affects our workforce, our productivity, and ultimately our economic growth. The private sector must therefore rise to the challenge by investing in workplace HIV programs, supporting awareness and testing campaigns”
Lawyer Essamuah, urged corporate Ghana to partner with the Ghana AIDS Commission to contribute to sustaining the national momentum as donor support declines. This he noted is the only way to build a resilient and self-reliant response that safeguards a secured future for all.
He said Ghana has also achieved commendable results through evidence-based prevention, treatment and care interventions with almost 70% of people living with HIV in Ghana knowing their status and a significant number receiving lifesaving treatment.
The Country Director of UNAIDS, Ghana, Hector Sucilla Perez, stated that disruptions in funding must not be allowed to define the country’s HIV response. He also warned against complacency in Ghana’s HIV response, which he noted could reverse gains made.
“We’re showing that disruption does not define us, our response does. But we must not be complacent. Rising new infections among adolescents and young people are deeply concerning”
He said stigma remains progressive, with most Ghanaians still expressing discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV. He stated ending stigma will promote dignity for all.
