HIV stigma could derail Ghana’s 2030 target – AHF Ghana

Ghana’s ambition to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030 could face a major setback if stigma continues to discourage people from getting tested, accessing treatment and remaining in care.

Speaking at a media training on “Breaking Myths, Building Trust: The Role of Media in Ending HIV Stigma," Dr Ekua Houphouet, Country Program Manager at AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Ghana, described HIV stigma as “the negative attitudes, beliefs, stereotypes, and judgments directed at people living with HIV or those associated with HIV.

If stigma discourages people from testing, the country may struggle to identify people living with HIV who need care.