The Ghana AIDS Commission is calling on traditional leaders to join the fight against discrimination of persons living with HIV.

Speaking at a press briefing on “HIV Zero Discrimination Day in Accra’, Tuesday, the Director General of the Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, disclosed the Commission’s plans of working with various stakeholders, including traditional authorities to address some socio-cultural practices, especially those related to gender inequalities.

According to him, there are some cultural issues that actually encourage stigma and discrimination, especially disease related stigma and discrimination.

He therefore stressed that anyone who does not seek the interest of person living with AIDS is working against the Ghana AIDS Commission. He called for collaborative efforts from stakeholders to ensure the health, safety and dignity of persons living with the virus.

Dr. Atuahene added that, the Commission is also focusing on every aspect in our lives that undermined the efforts they are making and reversing the gains made so far in the national response to the disease.

The Director-General of the Commission also urged persons living with HIV to trust in the justice system and assured them of the Commission’s support in providing all services needed.

Speaking at the event, the UNAIDS Country Director, Dr Angela Trenton-Mbonde said, “the right to help is the right to health. Laws that discriminate against these rights is a violation of human rights.”