HIV no longer a death sentence, seek early care – Winner of 2023 Miss Malaika urges kayayes

The 2023 Miss Malaika Beauty Pageant winner and National HIV Youth Ambassador, Lady Nana Yaa Nsarko, has admonished Kayayeis and rape victims to seek immediate medical care within 72 hours to prevent HIV infection.

She emphasized that timely medical intervention is crucial in preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cautioning that delayed medical attention can lead to severe consequences, including HIV infection.

Lady Nana Yaa Nsarko encouraged victims to visit a nearby hospital or healthcare facility, where they can access post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication, counselling, and other support services.

“If you sit at home in fear and don’t visit any hospital, that is when the virus is going to affect you,” she warned. “Seeking immediate medical care after any accidental encounter such as rape or unprotected sex is essential to preventing HIV infection and other health complications. You should not hesitate to seek help due to fear, stigma, or shame. There are resources available to support you.”

She made this observation during her ‘Live On Campaign’ as part of the National ART@20 celebrations of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme’s outreach with the Miss Malaika Gh ’23 caravan.

The outreach, which is sponsored by UNFPA and ABBOTT, targets both in-school and out-of-school young people.

The caravan stopped at the 31st December Women’s Market at Makola in Accra on Saturday, August 3, 2024. At the market, the beauty queen joined and interacted with traders and head porters (known locally as Kayayeis) about HIV and related matters.

This vulnerable group is often overlooked in HIV/AIDS education and awareness efforts.

In attendance to address this captive audience were Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo – the Programme Manager of NACP, Dr. Esther Odame Asiedu – Accra Metro Director of Health Services, Ms. Gifty Owusu Ansah – Regional Focal Person on HIV, Ghana Health Service, and Ms. Gifty Birago – Ghana Health Service, Accra Metro.

Dr. Ayisi, in his statement, reiterated the importance of early testing, abstinence, prevention, and early access to support services, revealing that research has shown women are more vulnerable to contracting HIV due to the receptive nature of their sexual organs.

He also confirmed the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis and upcoming injectables to prevent HIV infection.

Dr. Esther Odame Asiedu, in her address, hinted at the introduction of self-test kits to simplify the HIV testing procedures. She highlighted that one can enjoy the privacy of the test and call a provided number should the test be reactive for assistance.

The Greater Accra Market Queen was represented by Alhaji Karim Lameh Yirbito, the Administrative Head of all Markets in the Ashiedu Keteke Municipality. He expressed their excitement at this gathering and underscored the relevant information and education given to them as life-saving.

At the event, Lady Nsarko shared her knowledge and experiences and emphasized the importance of HIV testing, prevention, and support services. She encouraged the women to take control of their health.

Representatives from Health and Development Planners International, the facilitators of the event, and sponsors UNFPA and ABBOTT, along with other dedicated staff from the GHS, joined Lady’s Caravan to the market, providing free HIV screening and counseling to the market women, traders, Kayayeis, and buyers. Over a hundred ITNs and self-test kits were distributed to the audience.