IHRC leaders urge youth to lead HIV fight on International Youth Day

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has called on Ghanaian youth to take the lead in the fight against HIV, emphasising the importance of their role in ensuring a secure and sustainable future. 

The event, held at Aburi Girls Senior High School on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, was part of the International Youth Day celebrations and highlighted the ongoing UNFPA-sponsored HIV prevention campaign among young people.

The event was spearheaded by Lady Nana Yaa Nsarko, the Miss Malaika 2023 Beauty Queen, whose ‘Live On Campaign’ has gained significant traction among the youth. 

This initiative was supported by the National AIDS/STI Control Programme of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and ABBOTT, co-sponsors of the Miss Malaika 2023 HIV Prevention Project. The occasion also marked 20 years since the introduction of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Ghana.

In addition to the HIV awareness campaign, the event served as an induction ceremony for the newly elected executives of the Ghana UN Students Youth Association. 

The gathering was attended by several high-profile figures, including His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Shahih Amin Khan, World Chairman of the IHRC, and Ambassador Zein Abu, Senior Vice Chairman of the IHRC. Also present were Her Excellency Ambassador Kaoutar Agzaou, Vice Chairperson for Women Affairs at IHRC, Dr. Chief Nat Nsarko, Director General of IHRC Africa, and Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programme Manager of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme.

In his keynote address, Dr. Muhammad Shahih Amin Khan emphasised the importance of compassion and the use of technology in the fight against HIV. He urged the youth to be more accommodating towards those living with HIV, stating, “We must embrace persons living with HIV with love and understanding. In this digital age, it is crucial for the youth to leverage technological advancements to drive deeper change.”

Ambassador Zein Abu highlighted the need to invest in the youth and prepare them for leadership roles. “Our future lies in the hands of the youth. It is imperative that we not only equip them with the necessary tools but also provide them with the mentorship they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world,” he remarked.

Her Excellency Ambassador Kaoutar Agzaou encouraged young women to pursue their education with determination, stressing its importance in shaping their futures. “Your education is your most powerful weapon,” she said. “With it, you can shape a future where you are not only leaders but also champions for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Dr. Chief Nat Nsarko reinforced the message of self-discipline, urging the youth to avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their futures. “Your potential is immense, but it can be squandered if you do not make wise choices,” he cautioned.

Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programme Manager of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme, underscored the importance of knowing one’s HIV status and staying informed. “HIV is no longer a death sentence if you know your status and receive the appropriate treatment,” he advised. He also highlighted the importance of avoiding stigma, noting, “Stigmatizing those living with HIV is not only unfair but also counterproductive to our collective efforts in combating this disease.”

The event also featured a drama performance by the students of Aburi Girls Senior High School, depicting their experiences and understanding of HIV and its impact on their lives, adding a poignant touch to the day's proceedings.