Coronavirus: Embrace survivors rather than stigmatizing – Rev Opuni-Frimpong

Executive Director of the Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa, Rev Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong has raised concerns on the need to create a welcoming atmosphere for recovered COVID-19 patients rather than neglecting and stigmatization.

He explained that the negative attitude towards victims are a major hindrance to the fight against the spread of the pandemic.

Rev Opuni made the call when addressing the general public via his outfit’s YouTube channel to support the response against COVID-19.

"When a COVID-19 patient feels stigmatized, he or she may not open up for management and treatment, and by so doing spreads the virus gradually within communities, which could cause havoc for us as a nation," he noted.

The Executive Director, therefore, advised the citizenry to stop the stigma to help build self-esteem in victims and facilitate the fight against the virus.

"Let us stop the stigma and accept victims in our societies so as to motivate them to educate the rest of us on the importance of staying safe from the virus, and I think that will be a great step in fighting the disease".

So far, ninety-seven cases of the new coronavirus have been recorded as the country’s tally rise to 5,735, the Ghana Health Service reports.

The number of recoveries have also risen by 294 to 1,754 while one more death sends the tally of fatalities to 29.

Savannah, Bono East and Ahafo regions also remain coronavirus-free.