As the world marks World AIDS Day, the Communication Officer for the West Africa AIDS Foundation, Penelope Agbai, has urged persons living with HIV/AIDS to adhere strictly to their medication to improve their total well-being. She noted that pill burden, Stigma, discrimination and reliance on spiritual interventions are major reasons why many discontinue their HIV treatment, to the detriment of their h
In an exclusive interview with Ghana News Online, Miss Agbai explained that the daily intake of medication can be overwhelming, causing frustration and exhaustion among patients. She emphasized that despite available treatments, the fear surrounding HIV/AIDS remains significant in Ghana.
“Because of the pill burden, some people just get tired and stop taking the medication. They get frustrated, so they give up and say Let me die,” she remarked.
Miss Agbai also noted that some spiritual leaders contribute to this issue by advising patients to abandon their medication, claiming divine healing.
“ Other factors are pastors telling them, ‘don’t take the medicine again. I prayed for you, so you are cured.’ which is not the case.
She further urged the public to use condoms consistently, especially with partners whose HIV status is unknown to them, stressing that condoms protect against all sexually transmitted infections and not just serve as an additional safeguard.
“People should not take that risk at all. Anything that has a name exists. HIV is real and is closer than we all think,” she stated.
Miss Agbai underscored that treatment does not mean the threat is over, warning that many people abandon their medications prematurely. “That is why I am saying people should stay on their medication. Having treatment does not mean that the scare is over.”
Concluding her remarks, she affirmed the reality of HIV, cautioning against stigma, discrimination and assumptions based on appearances.
“HIV is real, more real than we all think. People don’t walk around with their HIV status written on their forehead. So let us not think that by looking at someone, you can determine if they have HIV or not. Get Tested to Know your status. If you test HIV-positive, take get in treatment and take your medication correctly, and you look just like anybody. Please use a condom every time you have sex with people whose status is unknown to you,” she concluded.