In Ghana, HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination remains an enormous barrier to fighting the epidemic. In view of this, SWAA has embarked on training in stigma and discrimination reduction. SWAA engaged community leaders, traditional authorities, religious and other relevant bodies in trainings. Participants brainstormed on effective means of combating stigma, practicing acceptance, educating their peers with quality information to enable them withstand and reduce stigma-related issues positively. The aim is to influence community members to desist from stigmatizing people affected and infected with HIV/AIDS, but rather provide them with treatment, care and support.
A stigma reduction workshop for Traditional Leaders
MALE INVOLVEMENT
In recognition of males as partners in development, SWAA Ghana has adopted a strategy to enable the active participation and involvement of males in all project activities and implementation processes. SWAA therefore involves men in trainings so that they too can utilise different reproductive health services, they can be supportive of their partners and can be agents of change by engaging other men in their communities to promote gender equity.
COMPREHENSIVE INITIATIVE FOR WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
SWAA recently entered into a partnership with Strengthening HIV/AIDS Response Partnership (SHARP, a USAID funded programme), to improve access to treatment and care for women living with HIV/AIDS in 5 regions of Ghana. The initiative aims at reducing the vulnerability of women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. SWAA will do this by providing the women with viable support systems within their communities; empowering them through enhanced leadership skills and mentoring them to address gender-based violence resulting from disclosure of their HIV positive status; as well as improving the performance and sustainability of PLHIV support groups. The programme is targeted to reach 1500 PLHIV and their partners directly and 5187 PLHIV through other Implementing Partners.
STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIP WITH DONORS AND PARTNERS
SWAA continues to interact with its donors and partners for deeper collaboration. SWAA has organized luncheon meetings, familiarization visits and interactive sessions with some partners; Furthermore, our end-of-year party and the organisation’s bimonthly meetings have been well patronized by some donors and implementing partners.
UNAIDS Country Representative on a familiarization visit to SWAA office.
Some Partners and SWAA members at our end-of-year party
