FIRST LADY AND REGIONAL MINISTER GRACE LAUNCH OF INTEGRATED MEDICAL SCREENING PROGRAMME IN SUNYANI

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The Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, participated in the launch of the Integrated Medical Screening Programme in Sunyani on 13th November 2025. The event was graced by the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, who served as the Guest of Honour.

The Office of the first lady in collaboration with the Bono Regional Coordinating Council and the AIDS Commission organized the outreach to promote early detection and prevention of HIV and AIDS.

It sought to strengthen access to integrated health services tailored to the needs of young people and mothers as well as raising awareness about healthy behaviours and preventive care.

During the launch, Mrs. Mahama urged traditional and religious leaders to use their enviable positions and influences to promote healthy and responsible behaviours in local communities too.

She expressed concern about stigmatization and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS, saying “Person living with the HIV are our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers and they deserve love and support, not judgment, fear, and rejection.”

Mrs. Mahama said the nation ought to do more to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Hepatitis ‘B’ and called for collective approach in that regard, urging stakeholders to help sensitize pregnant women and their families on the importance of early testing and accessing safe delivery services

The Regional Minister in his address highlighted the crucial importance of community engagement in tackling the region’s pressing health challenges.

He noted that the Bono Region remains one of the most severely affected areas, stressing the urgent need for intensified education, preventive interventions, and early testing initiatives.

He further emphasized that HIV continues to be a major public health concern in Ghana, with more than 334,000 individuals currently living with the virus.

The Minister called for a renewed collective commitment to achieving the national goal of eliminating HIV as a public health threat by 2030, underscoring the shared responsibility in building a healthier future for all.