In the third quarter of 2024, Action Youth for Development-Ghana (AY4D-GH) led a significant initiative in the Kintampo North Municipality to promote HIV self-testing and prevention. This project, funded by the Global Fund GC7 grant through the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), aimed to empower individuals with the resources and knowledge needed to combat HIV while addressing stigmas associated with the disease.
During the reporting period, AY4D-GH distributed 600 Oral Quick Test kits and 2,016 male condoms to community members. The distribution was handled by three community-based volunteers who had received training from GHANET. To enhance the understanding and usability of the test kits, the volunteers also shared multilingual instructional videos with recipients, allowing them to perform the tests in the privacy of their homes. Follow-up efforts were made to check on participants’ testing experiences and refer reactive cases for confirmatory tests at healthcare facilities.
The initiative engaged the community through a variety of activities, starting with a grand durbar in Kyeremankoma. Held on August 30, 2024, this event brought together key community figures, including chiefs, queen mothers, assembly members, and religious leaders. In his address at the durbar, the Executive Director of AY4D-GH, Joseph Nanga Nyindam, emphasized the importance of prevention methods such as abstinence, fidelity, and the consistent use of condoms. His speech also highlighted the critical need to eliminate stigma against individuals living with HIV, advocating for support rather than exclusion. This message resonated strongly, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and inclusivity.
Additional sensitization efforts targeted specific social groups, including the Hairdressers Association and youth organizations. These sessions debunked myths about HIV, stressing that it is not a spiritual disease but one that can be managed with early detection and proper treatment. Participants were encouraged to utilize the free HIV self-testing kits to know their status, a step that many took with gratitude. Furthermore, the organization used local radio platforms like Kintampo Radio (GBC), Zone FM, and Fire for Fire Radio to extend their message to an even larger audience. The radio discussions covered topics such as the reality of HIV, the importance of regular testing, and effective prevention measures.
Partnerships were a cornerstone of the project’s success. AY4D-GH collaborated with the Kintampo Municipal Health Directorate, Municipal Hospital, and Municipal Assembly, as well as traditional leaders, assembly members, and the National Youth Authority. These collaborations not only ensured the smooth distribution of resources but also helped build trust and engagement within the community.
The results of the project were promising. A total of 600 test kits were distributed, with 331 males and 269 females testing themselves willingly. Testimonials from beneficiaries highlighted the personal impact of the initiative. Grace, a food vendor, expressed her relief and happiness upon learning she was HIV negative, while another participant, Kwadwo-Rogers, appreciated the opportunity to know his status in the comfort of his home.
Despite these successes, the project faced notable challenges. Following up with some clients proved difficult due to their busy schedules, prompting the team to adopt phone calls and evening visits as alternative strategies. Some community members requested female condoms, which were unavailable during this phase of the project. Additionally, misconceptions about HIV testing kits required more personalized sensitizations to clear doubts. The rainy season posed logistical challenges as volunteers occasionally found themselves working under adverse weather conditions.
To address these challenges and ensure continued success, AY4D-GH recommended procuring female condoms for future implementations and equipping volunteers with raincoats. These measures, combined with ongoing review meetings and training for staff, will bolster the project’s resilience and sustainability.
In the future, AY4D-GH plans to expand its activities. The organization intends to carry out sensitization programs in more churches, mosques, and schools, distribute additional HIV test kits and condoms, and conduct follow-ups with referrals for confirmatory tests. Community engagement through durbars and radio programs will also continue, ensuring that the fight against HIV remains a collective effort.
This initiative demonstrates the profound impact of community-driven efforts in addressing public health challenges. By combining education, accessibility, and collaboration, AY4D-GH has made significant strides in promoting HIV awareness and prevention. Their work serves as a blueprint for how localized approaches can foster healthier, more informed societies while dismantling harmful stigmas.