Mr Benjamin Buabeng, Program Manager of Hero Network has implored Ghanaians to help in the reduction in stigma and discrimination against the vulnerable population suffering from HIV and Tuberculosis.

Instead of judging, Mr Buabeng urged the citizenry to show compassion to everyone regardless of their HIV status, adding that stigma and discrimination thrive on misinformation.

Mr Buabeng was speaking at a stakeholders engagement in Sunyani organized by Hero Network, a non-governmental organization dubbed, "reduction in stigma and discrimination against the vulnerable population."

In attendance were health professionals, media personnel, religious leaders, Assembly Members and other opinion leaders.

"It is important to educate ourselves about HIV and the realities of living with HIV to eliminate stigma in our communities."

"By the year 2030, 95% of the general population should know their HIV status, adding, knowing one's HIV status helps to reduce discrimination", Mr Buabeng stressed.

He explained, "there's life after HIV infection, being diagnosed with HIV is not the end of the world, but an opportunity to seek care, treatment and lead a healthy life."

"The silence surrounding HIV and vulnerable populations only strengthens stigma, therefore it's time to break the silence and speak up, adding that discrimination against people living with HIV is against the laws of Ghana."

Sompaonline.com/Akua Nyarko