Over 73,000 persons are living with HIV/AIDS in the Ashanti Region, according to the Executive Director of ProActif Global, Nathaniel Oduro. This high number of cases poses a threat to residents in the region, as stigmatization towards those with the disease remains high. Oduro believes that stakeholders must increase their advocacy on HIV/AIDS and its stigmatization to combat this issue.
Stigmatization often leads to those with the disease going into hiding and avoiding treatment. Oduro warns that this could cause the viral load to increase, as those living with HIV/AIDS may not seek treatment. He urges residents in the region to take an interest in their sexual partners to avoid contracting the disease.
Oduro emphasized that HIV no longer shows visible symptoms and can affect anyone regardless of appearance. He also advises people to take precautions in their sexual relationships, especially the youth who often ignore caution in their sex life.
“We need to fight the stigmatization of AIDS,” Oduro stressed, “it is bad and if not checked will push persons living with HIV/AIDS into hiding and that could push the spread of the disease more. When they hide, they won’t go for medication, but may be sleeping around, and the infections could be more.”
- It is crucial to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and reduce stigmatization towards those living with the disease to combat its spread in the Ashanti Region.