The chairman of the steering committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Professor F. T. Sai says acts of discrimination and stigmatization of persons affected and living with HIV/AIDS is hampering the collation of relevant data.

Speaking at the launch of activities to mark this year’s World AIDS Day (December 1), Professor Sai said most people are not encouraged to test and know their HIV status, a situation that makes it difficult for government to execute its strategy to fight the scourge.

He disclosed that government and some corporate bodies are developing policies and nationwide activities to ensure that society understands issues of HIV/AIDS to help eliminate discrimination and stigmatization.

This year’s AIDS day celebrations will focus government and the public’s commitment to fighting the pandemic. The month-long activities for the celebration include extensive public education against the discrimination and stigmatization of persons living with HIV/AIDS, free Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT), educational debates for students to create awareness of the disease among the youth, together with other social campaigns.

Professor Sai encouraged persons living with HIV/AIDS to stop stigmatizing themselves and come out of the dark to contribute in the interaction programmes outlined by the commission.

This he said will facilitate the commission in its efforts to ensure that stigmatization and discrimination are eliminated from society. He also urged religious bodies to contribute their quota in the fight against HIV/AIDS and stop passing quick judgments on affected persons as is being reported.

He explained that though 85% of HIV cases are sexually related, it is no reason for religious bodies to pass judgment.

Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Gladys Ashitey assured the public of government’s commitment to support the Ghana AIDS Commission in its fight against the pandemic.

She disclosed that government is coming out with policies to help the commission champion its course in two major areas; reduction in the rate of infection especially among the youth and education against stigmatization and discrimination.

Dr. Ashitey says the drop in the prevalent rate is the result of government’s intervention and that government will continue supporting the Ghana AIDS Commission in its campaign.

To set the tone for the month long activities, there was free VCT for persons who wish to know their HIV status and literature on the prevention of the disease were exhibited and freely given to participants.