News
Find alternative sources of funding for HIV- African leaders told
There is growing pressure on Ghana to secure alternative sources of funding for the control and management of HIV due to the United States foreign aid funding cuts.
The Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, made this disclosure on Friday at the second International Steering Committee meeting held in Accra.
It formed part of preparations for Ghana to host the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) scheduled for December 3-8, 2025 and expected to attract over 12,000 participants from different backgrounds, including healthcare professionals, policy makers, scientists, and civil society organisations.
Dr Akanbong explained that with the huge number of patients with the virus, it would be important for government to find alternative sources of funding to avert what could be a calamity.
According to him, “The issue of sustainability has been on the table for some time, but with likely reductions in U.S. support, we must act quickly. African governments need to build financial resilience and present strong investment cases to maintain our programmes,” he stated.
He described Ghana’s hosting of ICASA as a major step in the country’s HIV response.
“For the first time, Ghana is hosting ICASA. As the local organising committee, we have a number of responsibilities. We’re expected to provide scholarships for about 500 young health workers and students. We also have to make sure venues such as the Accra International Conference Centre were ready,” he mentioned.
Dr Akanbong further noted that beyond its public health value, the conference would also have economic and research benefits, adding that “this is an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s progress in HIV response and to position the country more visibly in global health discussions.”
The president of the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) and Chair of International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA), Dr David Pagwesese Parirenyatwa, also called on Africans to wake up to the challenge of strengthening health systems on the continent.
He said the continent cannot continue to rely on donor funding but must now look inward to find other avenues to prioritise the health of its people.
He said the continent had depended on donor funds for far too long which poses a security risk.
“This is a wakeup call, we cannot continue to rely on American aid. We must begin to mobilise our own resources from oil, gold, platinum and other natural resources,” he stated.
Prof. Muhammad Chakron, Vice President of the Society for AIDS in Africa, said ICASA 2025 comes at a time when global health funding is under strain.
He urged African countries to increase their investments in HIV, TB, malaria, and health research.
“This is necessary to keep making progress, and we expect it to be thoroughly discussed at the upcoming conference,” he added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, yesterday April 14, 2026, promoted seven officers of the Tema Regional Police Command to their next ranks for their role in a recent anti-robbery operation in Tema.
The promotions were awarded to officers who responded to a robbery attack on a Mobile Money vendor at Tema Community 5 leading to the shooting of two robbery suspects and the recovery of a firearm, ammunition, and other exhibits.
The officers promoted are Chief Inspector Enoch Nartey Nuer, Inspector Gershon Dekpey; Inspector Prince Asante; No. 45881 Sergeant Lukman Mohammed; No. 49900 Sergeant Eugene Kuudouru; No. 54157 Corporal Jerome Akator; and No. 59882 Lance Corporal Jonathan Sewurah.
The IGP, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), congratulated the officers on their promotion and commended them for their courage, discipline, and commitment to duty.
The IGP urged the officers to view their promotion as a call to higher responsibility and encouraged all personnel to continue working with dedication and professionalism in the service of the nation.
The Ghana Gold Board has provided financial support to a 10 year old girl undergoing treatment for a brain tumour at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The beneficiary, Regina Agyeiwaa, received a donation of GH¢86,454 to fund two life saving surgeries.
The amount was presented by Gloria Precious Ankomah, who heads the Special Intervention Programme at the Gold Board.
According to the organisation, the support is aimed at ensuring the child receives urgent medical care.
The family of the girl expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing it as timely and life saving.
Medical staff at the hospital also noted that the donation will help facilitate the surgeries needed for her treatment.
The initiative forms part of GoldBod’s broader efforts to support vulnerable people through healthcare and social impact programmes.
By: Jacob Aggrey
