Heads of institutions urged to introduce HIV policies at workplace

Ms Gifty Torkornu, one of Ghana’s HIV Ambassadors, has called on chief executives and institutional heads to introduce workplace HIV policies for their employees.

She said such a policy would encourage many people living with HIV to declare their HIV status, seek early treatment and help reduce stigmatization and discrimination against People Living with HIV (PLHIV).

Ms Torkornu was speaking at the Akwasidae festival of the chiefs and people of New Juaben in Koforidua where the HIV caravan made up of experts and HIV Ambassadors participated.

The caravan which is touring all the 10 regions of Ghana, forms part of the activities marking this year’s World AIDS Day to be held in Cape Coast on November 27.

The theme for the celebration is: “Zero New Infections, Zero AIDS-related Deaths, Zero Stigmatization and Discrimination-Accelerating to zero Together”.

Ms Torkornu said there were many workers living with HIV but fear to disclose their status to their employers for fear of being discriminated against or dismissed from employment.

As part of the festival, 38 personalities who had contributed towards the development of the New Juaben area were presented with awards.

The HIV Caravan would be in the Eastern Region for four days, during which, the HIV Ambassadors would interact with students, churches and members of the community.

The team would depart to the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.

Source: GNA