HIV stigma discourages testing, prevention and treatment in Ghana – Ghana AIDS Commission

Stigma surrounding HIV is discouraging people from accessing prevention, testing, treatment, and support services, the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has warned.

He said reducing stigma and discrimination was important not only for protecting the dignity of people living with HIV but also for encouraging more people to access services that can help prevent new infections and support those already living with the virus.

Dr Akanbong also warned that stigma can cause people living with HIV to conceal their status and delay seeking medical care and other forms of support.