Coronavirus: Clinical psychologist advocates use of traditional system to tackle secondary stigma

A clinical psychologist and a senior lecturer at the School of Public Health at the University of Ghana, Dr Emmanuel Asampong has advocated the use of traditional system as the perfect way of dealing with Covid-19 stigma.

Expressing worry about the high rise of stigma against recovered covid-19 patients, he suggested to the state to urgently resort to community engagement with the traditional authorities on how best this stigma can be handled.

Health authorities say stigma against persons who have contracted Covid-19 contributes to people failing to accept positive test results.

As a result, a number of people cannot be traced for isolation and treatment, threatening further spread of the disease.

Dr. Asampong reiterated the need for community members to be sensitized on the dire effects of covid-19 stigma on the community at large.

According to him, the moment a neighbour decides to stigmatize a victim of coronavirus, the entire society eventually becomes affected which he termed secondary stigma.

Speaking on Adekye Mu Nsem programme on Akoma FM in Kumasi, he cautioned that if efforts are not enhanced to handle the stigma, the country would soon experience various forms of rejection of people from affected zones to unaffected communities.

“People naturally forget that stigmatization against a neighbour who has recovered from Covid-19 would have a great impact on the community, district and the region eventually. Government must quickly use the traditional system to facilitate the process,” he told Sir John, host of the Show.

Ghana has been battling with the rise of stigma against people recovered from covid-19 in various homes and communities.