MOFA, Ghana AIDS Commission expand HIV training for Agriculture Extension Officers

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission, has organised a Training of Trainers workshop on HIV and STI prevention for Agriculture Extension Officers in the Eastern region.

The programme focused on selected districts across the Eastern Region, with Extension Officers from 15 districts joining the staff of the Regional Agriculture Department for the session.

It sought to improve public awareness of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, particularly in farming communities where access to reliable health information remains limited.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks white blood cells and weakens the immune system, while Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) pose serious risks to sexual and reproductive health, particularly among young people.

Speaking with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the session, Ms Angelina Owusu Ansah, the Eastern Regional Director of Agriculture, said Extension Officers played a vital frontline role in engaging farmers and rural households daily.

She indicated that their work helped promote modern farming practices, improve productivity and support long‑term sustainability.

Therefore the officers were well‑positioned to integrate HIV education into routine community outreach, helping to reduce stigma against people living with HIV and supporting efforts around prevention, early testing and access to care within farming communities, she said.

She noted that the Training of Trainers workshop aligned with MOFA’s ongoing work to deepen multi‑sectoral collaboration, reduce HIV‑related stigma and ensure accurate information reaches people in hard‑to‑reach areas.

Participants received training on basic facts about HIV and STIs, including transmission, prevention, testing and treatment.

The session also tackled myths and misconceptions that persist in rural communities.

Ms Rita Afriyie, the Acting Technical Coordinator of the Technical Support Unit of the Ghana AIDS Commission, said a key part of the training focused on familiarising participants with the Ghana AIDS Commission’s Act, 2016 (Act 938).

She indicated that the legislation outlined the national coordination framework for HIV and sets out the responsibilities of public sector institutions in the national response.

She stressed the need to end stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, noting that such attitudes undermined emotional well-being and mental health.

Touching on the Patient Charter, Ms Afriyie explained that it guaranteed individuals the right to accessible, equitable and quality healthcare within the country’s available resources, and upholds respect for patient choice in healthcare decisions.

The Agriculture Extension Officers pledged to share the knowledge gained with colleagues and to intensify community education to ensure sustained impact in rural areas.

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