President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated Ghana’s full commitment towards sustaining efforts to meet the global target of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.

A statement issued from the Presidency said the President expressed the commitment during a courtesy call by Madam Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS.

He assured her that Ghana had found alternative funding sources to cover the shortfall arising from the withdrawal of PEPFAR, a donor organisation.

This, President Mahama said was underscored by the urgent need to maintain and improve on the gains the country have made in combating the disease and the 2030 target.

He said the most affected segment of the population were young girls and women, which was a worrying trend and needed critical attention.

The President noted that in addition to the Government’s efforts, his wife, First Lady Lordina, in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission, continues to champion advocacy programmes to help combat the spread, manage persons living with the virus, fight stigmatisation and to integrate them into society to lead meaningful lives.

President Mahama agreed with the UNAIDS Executive Director that there was the need for a global HIV response to address challenges threatening decades of progress.