HERO NETWORK, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has initiated a project in the Upper West Region aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB), which are key drivers of the spread of these diseases in the country.

The two-year “Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Project” will be implemented in the Wa Municipality and Nadowli-Kaleo District from 2025 to 2026.

The project is funded by the Global Fund under its G7 programme through the Ghana-West Africa Programme to Combat AIDS and STI (WAPCAS), with the goal of sensitizing people on the importance of eliminating stigma and discrimination against individuals living with HIV and TB.

Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders in Wa, including members of the Wa Municipal Health Committee, Mr. Benjamin Buabeng, the Programme Manager of HERO NETWORK, stated that stigma and discrimination were major barriers in the fight against the spread of HIV and TB.

He noted that individuals living with HIV in Ghana face discrimination in various aspects of life, including in churches, social groups, and homes, which discourages others from getting tested and seeking treatment.

“People are not even free to get HIV testing because of the fear of stigma and discrimination. Those who have tested positive are not going for their medication because of the same fears,” Mr. Buabeng explained.

The Programme Manager emphasized that the project aims to educate the public about the negative impact of HIV and TB-related stigma and discrimination, which put everyone at risk of contracting these viruses.

He added that the project is also aligned with the global 2030 agenda of 95-95-95, which aims to ensure that by 2030, 95 percent of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 95 percent of people diagnosed with HIV receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of people on ART achieve viral suppression.

Ms. Alexandra Ayanful, the Project Coordinator at HERO NETWORK, stated that the lack of knowledge about HIV and TB contributes to the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with these conditions.

However, she stressed that stigma and discrimination are significant barriers to achieving global health goals and require a well-coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, including monetary and legal reforms, as well as evidence-based interventions to address the issue.

Naa Osman Daudi, Sunche Naa, and the Chairperson of the Wa Municipal Health Committee, expressed gratitude to the NGO for extending the project to the Municipality.

He said the committee welcomed any intervention that would help enhance healthcare service delivery to the people.