Ghana drafts new HIV legal framework

Mr. Abu Mahama, Western Regional Technical Coordinator of the Technical Support Unit (TSU) of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), on Friday said the commission and its partners have drafted a new legal framework, HIV and the Law.

Mr Mahama, who presided over a Focal Group Discussion, organized by the West Africa AIDS Foundation at Takoradi, said the legal framework is expected to be passed into law soon.

He said the legal framework is to address issues bordering on HIV/AIDS and human rights, and that, it would protect those living with HIV/AIDS as well as those affected by the disease.

He said the commission is also putting together a Stigma and Discrimination Strategy to reduce stigma and discrimination against People Living with HIV (PWHIV) in the country.

Mr. Mahama said the GAC is providing funds to government health facilities that provide Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) services to register PLHIV for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

He said some 11 out of 16 facilities offering ART services in the region are covered and efforts are being made the get the remaining 5 facilities to participate in the programme.

Mr. Alex Boakye, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of WAAF, said the foundation has established an International Health Care Centre in Accra to provide treatment services for Sexual Transmitted Infections (STI) and to PLWHIV.

He said the foundation intends to set up a Drop In Center in Takoradi to cater for key population, including PLWHIV, lesbians and homosexuals.

Mr. Boakye said the foundation is working to put in place an effective referral network of its partners to facilitate treatment of key population.

He said the foundation is operating in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, the Ahanta West District and the Ellembele District and undertake outreach Voluntary Counseling and Testing and economic empowerment of the vulnerable.

Source: GNA