First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has called for action to ensure zero infections from HIV. Stressing that men and women cannot be allowed to die from AIDS leaving behind their children to be looked after as orphans in care homes.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s World AIDS Day at James Town Accra, she said Ghana should use the day as an opportunity to protect the lives of citizens, who, according to her, are the bedrock of the development of the country, from the burden of HIV and AIDS.

Ghana has always launched the World AIDS Day in November to provide a platform for a month-long series of events that create awareness of and about HIV and AIDS.

The Day, as set aside by the United Nations will be in December, and the month-long programme will also include the promotion of the availability and uptake of HIV Services.

The global theme for this year’s Day is “Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections, Zero Discrimination, Zero AIDS related Deaths”. The theme emphasizes the need for sustained commitment and accountability from all sectors to HIV.

Ghana has chosen the sub-theme, “Getting to Zero: Accelerating the National response towards the MDGs” to mark the day. According to Mrs Mahama, this is a call to all to intensify efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goal targets.

Ghana has been mentioned as one of the few countries in the world that has achieved a high coverage of services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

The Ghana Chapter of the Organization of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission and the Ghana Health Services would work to address other reproductive health needs of women such as breast and cervical cancers.

The day also witnessed the national launch of the First Lady’s Advocacy Campaign on the elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV.

Lordina Mahama used the occasion to commend Ghanaian health workers and the media for their hard work and support. “I wish to salute all Ghanaian health workers for your hard work, as we celebrate your contribution to healthcare delivery in the country, and to our media partners, your contribution to the awareness creation efforts is well recognised.”