First Lady, H.E. Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, on Thursday led a major community health screening exercise in Sunyani, held in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission.
The initiative marks the second in a series of regional health outreach programmes, following the first exercise in Accra.
Addressing traditional leaders, religious groups, and community members ahead of the screening, Mrs Mahama called on opinion leaders to use their influence to promote healthy and responsible behaviour among the youth and in their communities.
Ghana, she emphasized, remains committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, a target she believes is attainable if every Ghanaian contributes to the effort.
“Parents must engage in open and honest conversations with their children about health and sexuality,” she urged, adding that teachers also have a vital role in guiding students with accurate information to help eliminate stigma associated with HIV.
With over 334,000 Ghanaians currently living with HIV, the First Lady described the situation—particularly the high prevalence in the Bono Region as deeply concerning. She called for intensified education, strong preventive measures, and early testing to reduce infections.
Mrs Mahama, who also serves as President of the Lordina Foundation, underscored the importance of community-based health programmes.
“I love bringing health services closer to people because when we invest in health, we invest in our collective future,” she said.
The Dormaahene and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Budu II, echoed similar concerns.
He highlighted rising HIV cases in the region, especially among people aged 25 to 40, and stressed that the health screening was a vital public health exercise, not a political event.
Participants also heard from Sister Diana, an HIV advocate who has lived with the condition since 1989. She shared her journey of facing stigma and emphasized that, with proper care, people living with HIV can lead full and healthy lives.
“My children’s support gave me strength,” she said. “It motivated me to educate others as an ambassador for HIV awareness.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
