Damongo: The Ghana AIDS Commission, in partnership with the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council, has organized a crucial stakeholder engagement aimed at bolstering regional efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The event sought to foster collaboration and collective action to mitigate the disease's impact across the region.

According to Ghana News Agency, the gathering brought together a diverse group of participants, including religious leaders, representatives from the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, civil society organizations, and individuals living with HIV and AIDS in the region. Dr. Prosper Akanbong, Acting Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, addressed attendees in Damongo, shedding light on the current state of HIV and AIDS in Ghana. He expressed concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of the virus, particularly among the youth, and discussed the Commission's plans to integrate HIV and AIDS services into the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Dr. Akanbong also advocated for the reintroduction of the HIV and AIDS workplace policy to tackle AIDS-related issues within professional environments. Meanwhile, Mr. Salisu Be-awuribe, Savannah Regional Minister, highlighted several challenges that could exacerbate new infections in the region. These challenges include insufficient funding for HIV activities, the surge in mining activities, persistent stigma, loss to follow-up, and the absence of a Regional Committee and office for the Ghana AIDS Commission in the area.

Mr. Be-awuribe urged stakeholders to rethink strategies and mobilize resources from the private sector, while also leveraging other government programs to implement effective HIV interventions and responses.