Accra, Nov. 1, GNA- Ghana has reduced the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS from 3.1 per cent in 2004 to 2.7 per cent in 2005, representing about 13 per cent decline.
The Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who made this in Accra on Tuesday said 32 sites had also been created, including all the 10 regional hospitals to provide anti-retroviral treatment to People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
Alhaji Mahama disclosed this in a speech read on his behalf at the launch of the 2006 World AIDS Day in Accra on the theme: "Stop AIDS, Make The Promise, The Time Is Now" organised by Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC).
He spoke against the stigmatisation of PLWHA stressing: " Unlawful discrimination against those infected with the virus remains common and some people are reluctant to be tested for fear of discovering that they are HIV positive."
Alhaji Mahama said the powerful taboos around sex and death led to public misconception about HIV/AIDS, triggering a particularly strong and tenacious horror that made it possible for PLWHA to be maltreated and ostracized in some communities.
"We all have a role to play in ensuring that appropriate policies and programmes are implemented not only to create an enabling environment for PLWHA to live with hope but to also make sure that we effectively address the pandemic," he said.
Commenting on the AIDS Day, which falls on December 3, this year, Alhaji Mahama said it was the outcome of a global commitment to combat HIV/AIDS by Heads and representatives of States in 2001. Alhaji Mahama said this year's Day had been decentralised to embrace regional celebrations.
Professor Sakyi Awuku Amoa, Director-General of the GAC said Ghana had not achieved much in behavioral change to ensure significant reduction in the current prevalence rate.
"This is of major concern to all of us who are championing the national campaign. We have a promise to keep to achieve that goal and is now the time for concrete actions," he said.
Prof. Awuku Amoa said the Commission had endorsed a multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS programme as the second project, designed and developed to reverse the pandemic.
Prof. Fred Sai, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the GAC, who chaired the function, said discrimination against PLWHA made it difficult for the collection of data on the pandemic as well as support and treatment of people infected.
