President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says government is working tirelessly to establish a national HIV and AIDS fund for a financial self-reliance.
According to him, the country can only achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 if it strengthens its resource mobilization instead of relying on dwindling donor support.
“I am fully aware that at the heart of achieving these goals is the need to strengthen our resource mobilization drive.” He said.
The president said this in a speech read on his behalf by Board Member of Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Alhaji Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo during the inauguration of a 9-member Upper East Regional Committee of the commission held in Bolgatanga.
The inauguration of the Regional Committee of the Commission according to the president is line with section 9 of Act 938 of the Commission.
President Akufo-Addo entreated members of the committee to support government in its “drive to achieve the targets” it had set.
He commended the efforts of individuals and stakeholders for having achieved a generally low prevalence which is at 1.67 in 2017.
Nonetheless, he reminded the committee members not to relent in their efforts to achieving the SDGs by 2030.
“New infections are on the increase and therefore, there is no room for complacency; we must work hard to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030”
Chairman of the committee, Rockson Ayine Bukari observes activities of self-styled pastors and traditional healers in the region are drawing back efforts of the commission.
Mr. Bukari who doubles Upper East Regional minister pledged on behalf of the committee to work with national board of the commission in mobilizing resources towards ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Regional Technical Coordinator of the Commission, Dr. Mrs. Gifty Apiung Aninanya said the commission has stepped up its activities of providing free screening and educating the public on HIV/AIDS issues.
Bolgatanga High Court judge, Justice Asmah Akwasi Asiedu, sworn in the 9-member committee. They were taken through the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Secrecy to show their commitment in the discharge of their duty.
By: Joshua Asaah|A1radioonline.com|Ghana|101.1Mhz
