United Nations has earmarked the 1st December of every year as World AIDS Day to show support for people living with HIV and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention. This year was no different from previous as a Grand Durbar was held by the Ekumfi District Assembly to mark the day under the theme “End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics.”.
The Durbar which took place at the Essuehyia Lorry Park had the District Chief Executive, District Coordinating Director, District Health Director, Dr. Nana Yedu IV (Chief of Essuehyia) and a host of other special dignitaries in the Ekumfi District.
The District Chief Executive in his keynote address during the event mentioned, the District Assembly in collaboration with the District Health Directorate and the Ghana AIDS Commission has been implementing the 95-95-95 campaign in the District in furtherance of the UNAIDS fast-track strategy for nations around the world to reduce the number of HIV infections in adults to below 200,000 in 2030 and in effect end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
He said, the campaign’s target is for 95% of persons living with HIV to know their status through HIV testing, 95% of those who know their status should receive HIV Antiretroviral Treatment and 95% of those who receive the treatment should have their viral load suppressed to boost their immune system.
Attainment of these targets are critical if the district is to make progress in its bid to end AIDS in the District and country as a whole. Therefore, implore all to get tested for HIV in order to know their status. The Health Directorate of the Ekumfi District Assembly organized a free HIV and COVID-19 test at the durbar grounds.