Stigma reduction road-map for people who use drugs in Ghana

As part of Ghana and UNAIDS’ ongoing efforts through the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026, this road-map describes some of the steps that can build momentum in the country towards meeting targets to reduce stigma by 2025.

The roadmap is a direct outcome of a Two-Day National Stakeholder Dialogue entitled ‘Towards a Stigma Reduction Roadmap for People Who Use Drugs in Ghana” – held in Accra in April 2024. The Dialogue was funded by UNAIDS and co-hosted by UNAIDS, the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) and key national partners such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Ghana AIDS Commission, and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC). The Dialogue was attended by more than 55 participants, including government officials, academics, civil society, service providers, youth and people who use drugs. Participants were encouraged to discuss a series of recommended actions to reduce stigma at the national level. These recommendations were then voted on at the end of the meeting to provide a sense of the priority areas, and the results are reflected in the roadmap below.

Importantly, the road-map seeks to include both ongoing initiatives and those which need to be started. This way, the document can help to align existing efforts, enhance their impact and effectiveness, and guide further fundraising and work planning in this area. A key consideration throughout is also the sustainability of responses, and this is a growing concern across the entire HIV response. The road-map seeks to include interventions whose impact can be long-term, and which are cost-effective. Where relevant, potential funding partners or sources have been suggested. However, ultimately, the longevity and success of this road-map requires local ownership and commitment.

The roadmap has activities and initiatives, divided across five categories for ease of use: awareness and education; policy and advocacy; improving access to services; meaningful engagement of people who use drugs; and monitoring and evaluation.