The First Lady Mrs Lordina Mahama has called for the contributions of everybody for the nation to eradicate HIV and AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
She said more concerted and decisive efforts were required, and urged families to be open and honest in educating their children about health and sexuality.

Mrs Mahama made the call when speaking at an integrated medical outreach campaign held at the Sunyani Jubilee Park and called on teachers to also provide students with accurate and factual information about HIV and AIDS.

The Office of the first lady in collaboration with the Bono Regional Coordinating Council organised the outreach to promote early detection and prevention of HIV and AIDS.

Mrs Mahama urged traditional and religious leaders to use their enviable positions and influences to promote healthy and responsible behaviours in local communities too.

She expressed concern about stigmatization and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS, saying “person living with the virus are our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers and they deserve love and support, not judgment, fear, and rejection”.

Mrs Mahama said the nation ought to do more to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Hepatitis ‘B’ and called for collective approach in that regard, urging stakeholders to help sensitize pregnant women and their families the importance of early testing and accessing safe delivery services.
Oseadeeyo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area said the chiefs and queens in the region remained committed to supporting efforts to improve health outcomes in the country.
Sompaonline.com/Stella Kyere