Short calls for laws to protect rights of HIV victims

Accra, Sept. 10, GNA - Mr Emile Short, Commissioner for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on Wednesday said there was the need to enact laws that would protect the rights of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

Mr Short, who was speaking at a day's seminar on HIV/AIDS organised for musicians, entertainers and producers said hostile societal attitude towards victims, stigmatisation, and discrimination have fostered the spread of the disease.

The seminar was organised by Goodies Foundation, music producer and a non-governmental charitable organisation set up to assist in the fight against AIDS.

It was under the theme: A Human Right Approach to HIV and AIDS; Dealing with Discrimination and Stigmatisation Through Music. Other activities to be undertaken included launch of an album, Vision In Progress (VIP), float, AIDS walk and live concert. Mr Short said since the disease has no cure and has high rate of transmission and was devastating it posed threat to the right to life. He said, it was therefore, incumbent on the state to take sufficient measures to ensure the protection of the rights of the life of those living with the disease. He said as long as a person with the virus could carry out his or her duties at the workplace, that person has the right to work without any pre-condition. Mr Nortey Dua, a Clinical Psychologist at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital who represented the Ghana AIDS commission, said the approach to fighting the disease has shifted from a predominantly medical response to other multi-sector approach.

That called for all, including musicians, individuals, groups, associations, churches and the media to join the crusade against the spread of the disease.

He said since the disease was first recorded in 1986, its prevalence rate was increasing and Ghana finds itself in danger since it was surrounded by countries, which have higher prevalent rates. He appealed to musicians to take up the challenge and help in the fight against the disease.

Barbers appeal for help to curb spread of AIDS

Brakwa (C/R), Sept 10, GNA- Barbers in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District have appealed to the District Assembly to help them acquire sterilisation equipment to enable them curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. The barbers made the appeal when a community-based organisation (CBO) organised a forum on HIV/AIDS awareness for barbers, hairdressers and dressmakers.

They appealed to people who visit barbering shops to take along their own blades and scissors in the absence of sterilisation equipment.