OMA, Partners Hit Obuasi Streets to Mark World AIDS Day
The Obuasi Municipal Assembly (OMA), in partnership with key stakeholders, has organised a public float through principal streets of Obuasi to mark World AIDS Day and intensify awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention.
The exercise, aimed at educating residents on the dangers of HIV/AIDS and the importance of knowing one’s status, was carried out with support from the Municipal Health Directorate, the AngloGold Ashanti Malaria Control Programme (AGAMal), and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and Women’s Commission of the Obuasi Campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The float began at the Obuasi Municipal Assembly premises and passed through Mangoase, Zongo, and the Central Business District (CBD) before ending at its point of commencement.
Participants, dressed in branded World AIDS Day T-shirts, displayed placards with bold messages including “AIDS is real, protect yourself,” “Be wise, use a condom,” “Be faithful to your partner,” “Abstinence is the key,” and “Do you know your status?” Free HIV testing kits and condoms were distributed to the public along the route.
Know Your Status
Speaking during the exercise, the Municipal Health Director, Mr Martin Sarfo, encouraged residents to take advantage of HIV testing services and avoid fear or stigma.
“People should not be afraid to test. Whatever the outcome, support and treatment are available,” he stated.
He explained that people who test positive can live long and healthy lives with the use of antiretroviral medication, while those who test negative must adopt preventive measures to remain safe. He warned that HIV/AIDS remains a serious public health concern.
Prevention Still Key
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Madam Joyce Akosua Angmorteh, stressed that HIV/AIDS cuts across age, status, and background, making prevention a shared responsibility.
She promoted abstinence as the safest option, urged couples to remain faithful, and advised the correct and consistent use of condoms where necessary.
“If you are bold enough to engage in sexual activity, you should also be bold enough to protect yourself,” she said, encouraging the public to freely access and use condoms.
Stakeholders Commended
Staff of the Assembly, health officials, AGAMal personnel, and students from KNUST Obuasi Campus actively participated in the December 1 event, using the opportunity to further educate residents and distribute preventive materials.
The convener of the programme, Mr Henry Yeboah, expressed appreciation to all partners and sponsors for their support, noting that the exercise was successful and impactful.
World AIDS Day is observed globally on December 1 to promote awareness, prevention, and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. This year’s theme was “Africa Unites Against AIDS.”
Story by:
Ernest Kofi Offen
Municipal Information Officer, ISD – Obuasi
