FINAL REPORT FORUM ON HIV/AIDS, TB AND MDGs 20TH JANUARY, 2006.
AT JOY STANDARD SCHOOL, ATONSU, KUMASI-GHANA PREPARED BY: MICHAEL BOAMPONG STEPHEN K. ACHEAMPONG EMMANUEL ABOAGYE
EDITED BY: SALAMATU SEIDU
ORGANISED BY: YOUNG PEOPLE WE CARE (YPWC)
1
CONTENT TOPIC
PAGE
Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………….3 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………...4 Case of Ghana…………………………………………………………………………4 Activities and Methodology…………………………………………………………..5 Observations/Evaluation……………………………………………………………...6 Pre-Programme Activities……………………………………………………………7 ¾ Office Equipment ¾ Fund Raising ¾ Logistics (Transport and Communication) Success and Failures………………………………………………………………….8 Programme Outline…………………………………………………………………..8 Talk and Presentation………………………………………………………………...9 ¾ 1st Talk……………………………………………………………………….....9&10 ¾ 2nd Talk………………………………………………………………………….10&11 ¾ HIV/AIDS Presentation………………………………………………………..11 Appreciation……………………………………………………………………………12 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………….12
2
1.0
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Our heart-felt thanks goes to all the members of YPWC (both executive members and general members) for their unflinching support of making our first action project a reality. Even though there were a lot of holdup, most of the members dedicated their time, strength, money, vehicles, and other equipments for the success of the programme. We also thank our Team Advisor, Dr. Kwadwo Amoah, for his professional advice. We would also like to thank corporate bodies like O.A. Transport, A.B Pacific Enterprise for their support financially. A special thanks also goes to individuals like Mr. Stephen Donkor, Director of Joy Standard School who made his students available as well as a congenial environment for the programme. We also thank the resource personnels, Ms Cecilia Cynthia Sackey (TB Coordinator for Suntreso Government Hospital), Dr. Kwadwo Amoah (our Team Advisor), Mr. Yeboah and Mr Evans Sakyi who is the President of Students for Democratic Development for the indispensable service they rendered. This report would not have been well presented without the presence of our secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Aboagye, who recorded every scene. Below is a group picture taken by the initiators of the forum.
From left to right: Douglas Nkrumah (Member), Emmanuel Aboagye (Team Secretary), Stephen Acheampong (Deputy Team Coordinator), Dr. Kwadwo Amoah (Team Advisor), Michael Boampong (Team Coordinator)
3
1.1
INTRODUCTION Our generation has been hit by an unprecedented pandemic (HIV/AIDS) which defies the ability of medical science to readily triumph over it. It is a global scourge which nobody is free from and which no nation is immune from. HIV is a virus and therefore AIDS is the consequence of the viral infection. However, the issues raised by this viral infection are more than medical; they touch on cultural practices, human sexuality, parental responsibility and social economic issues among others. It is however not the case that one with the infection has AIDS. HIV always leads to AIDS, but the two (HIV and AIDS) are not the same. TB disease is an important cause of death in Ghana. More than 11500 unbelievable new cases of TB have shown up since it was first reported from 2002. The Global Action against Tuberculosis reports that everyday three people die from tuberculosis. The increase in the spread of TB has been attributed to inadequate information on TB and complacency of TB patients. UNAIDS report in 2004 alone showed that there were 4.9 million new HIV Infections. Some 39.4 million people are living with HIV/AIDS thus 3.1 million people died of the disease in 2004. Over 20 million people have died since the first cases of AIDS were identified in 1981. Statistics indicate that about 60% of infected persons and nearly 30% of all new infections are in Sub-Saharan Africa, of which Ghana is no exception. It is for all these reasons that YPWC organised a forum on HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB), under the Millennium Development Goals with emphasis on the Goal 6 of the MDGs to address the youth on the solution to these problems and how they can help in making the MDGs a reality by 2015 in Ghana. THE CASE OF GHANA In Ghana, the situation is equally appalling since the first case was reported in 1986; the number of HIV/AIDS cases has risen steadily. In 1994, an estimated 118000 people were living with HIV/AIDS and the number tripled to about 400000 by 2004. Prevalence rates increased from an estimated 2.6% in 2000 to 3.6% in 2003 and then to 3.1% in 2004. The number of people living with HIV/AIDS is expected to increase to about 500000 by 2015. The general peak age of prevalence is between 24-35 years. It has been estimated that in Accra (the capital of Ghana) for example, 84% of HIV infection among males between the ages of 15-59 years is as a result of transactional sex with sex workers (solicitors). In addition to sex workers, other group of people like teachers, national service personnel, cross-border traders, truck drivers, etc. have an above average prevalence rate. On the issue of TB as Ms Cecilia Cynthia Sackey made participants of the programme aware, only 1/3 of the cases are reported in hospitals and health care centres in Ghana. 4
These notwithstanding, all of us are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and TB, hence the importance of a forum like this. The major mode of transmission of the virus HIV/AIDS in Ghana, like other parts of sub-saharan Africa are mainly through: ¾ Having sex with an infected person; ¾ Parent/Mother-to-Child Transmission; ¾ Contact with infected blood and blood products (e.g. infected needles and infected blood transfusion) Of all the reported cases in Ghana, youth infection accounts for over 50% of the cases. Not to make mention of unreported cases. Since the youth are the future generation, it behoves on all to take action to avoid the rippling effect of loss of human resource for a developing country like Ghana. It is against this background that YPWC held a forum on HIV/AIDS, TB under the MDGs for in-schoolyouth as part of the UN Millennium Campaign, TakingITglobal (TIG) and Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) appeal with the sole objectives among others to: ¾ Clarify the myth and the fear surrounding the diseases; ¾ Encourage behavioural change which prevents the spread, and offer care and support the infected and the affected. ¾ Identify information groups, and provide the appropriate responses. ¾ Provide accurate information on the etiology of both TB and HIV/AIDS. ¾ Provide an ideal platform to grasp current trend on the epidemic.
ACTIVITIES AND METHODOLOGY Activities carried out: ¾ Sensitization of the youth on HIV/AIDS, TB and MDGS ¾ Pre-Testing and Post Evaluation of the participant’s knowledge. ¾ Discussion/Open Forum/Questions and Answers etc. Methodology: The following were the methodology that we use for the above activities. ¾ Power Point Presentation ¾ Talk/Speech ¾ Paper Questionnaire for evaluation
5
Number of Beneficiaries It is estimated that 600 participants were present at the programme including Special and Invited Guests, Journalists, Teachers and students.
Below some of the students paused to take a picture with the resource persons and some of the team members.
OBSERVATIONS/EVALUATIONS The following observations were noted before the programme: 1. Information on HIV/AIDS, TB and the MDGS among beneficiaries was inaccurate and shallow. For instance, almost all the students did not know the causal organism of TB. 2. Even where information existed, moral, sexual, and other beliefs were stronger. For example, some students were sceptical about condom use. 3. Beneficiaries did not know anything about the importance of HIV/AIDS and MDGS, and how the youth can participate in making it a reality. After the programme evaluation, these results were noted: 1. Beneficiaries were able to explain what actually was meant by TB, and HIV/AIDS. 2. Also beneficiaries became aware of the MDGS and the need for youth participation.
6
PRE-PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES On the 2nd November, 2005 Mr. Michael Boampong (Team Coordinator and the Executive Director of YPWC) was nominated by Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) as a Millennium Campaign Advocate for the UN Millennium Campaign. Prior to his nomination, YPWC was formed to carry out action projects on the MDGs. On the 20th of December, 2005 after a meeting by the members of YPWC, it was agreed upon that YPWC will carry out a project on HIV/AIDS and TB under the MDGs with our main target audience being the youth in Ghana. After the meeting and deliberations, all the members of YPWC co-opted Dr. Kwadwo Amoah as the advisor of the team. In the early part of January 2006, efforts were made at getting a school for the proposed programme to be held. It was really a hectic time because it was difficult getting contact with most heads of schools since most of the schools were on vacation. However, by God’s grace, the Director of Joy Standard School upon resuming academic activities offered his school premises for us to hold the programme for the school. 1.
Resource Mobilisation Almost all the guest speakers, the resource persons and the special guest speakers were present to grace the occasion. Only two of the special guests were not present due to some situations beyond their control. Also, both invited and uninvited media personnels were present to take coverage of the programme.
1.2
Office Equipment Even though the Team Coordinator had a private personal computer for most of the documentation, we lack resources like scanner, printers, fax machines, photocopiers, for most of our secretarial work.
1.3
Fund Raising Mobilising funds for our programme proved challenging for us. Some corporate bodies who had earlier promised to help us disappointed us later. Also some industries and corporate bodies whom we approached for sponsorship thought we were charlatan MDGs activist. However despite all the impediments, some individuals were all happy at our action and helped us with some cash grants for the realisation of our project. A.
Major Sponsors (Cash) ¾ Mr. George K. Boampong, Hwidiem Branch Manager - Ghana Commercial Bank. ¾ Mrs. Margaret Sarfo, Kumasi Branch Manageress- A.B. Pacific Enterprise. ¾ Mrs. Opoku Agyemang, Canteen Sector Manageress – O.A Travel and Tours
B.
Other Sponsors ( in Kind) ¾ Mrs. Paulina Boampong, Grains Development Board, Kumasi. ¾ Mr. Stephen Donkor, Director – Joy Standard School, Kumasi.
7
1.4
Logistics (Transport and Communication) On the issue of transport, because of the traffic jam situation from the places of residence of team members to the venue of the programme, members had to stay for long hours in vehicles before they got to the venue of the programme. Also, because we lacked finance, team members had to finance their transport to any proposed meeting place in their efforts at making the programme a reality.
SUCCESSES Despite the setbacks, the programme was able to come on with; 1. an impressive turnout of the targeted audience 2. all resource persons made it to the programme aside their busy schedules 3. massive response from everybody with calls made from the pulpit. FAILURES 1. We were not able to get a full video coverage of the programme due to some discrepancies. 2. There was a power failure at the start of the programme. However, power was restored with a stand-by generator within some few minutes. PROGRAMME OUTLINE 1. Opening Prayer 2. Introduction of Guests by Mr. Emmanuel Aboagye 3. Introduction of Chairman 4. Keynote Address by Chairman, Mr. Stephen Donkor, Director-Joy Standard School 5. Welcome Address by Team Coordinator, Mr. Michael Boampong 6. Brief Explanation of MDGs and Youth Participation by Mr. Stephen Acheampong 7. Talk 1: “Tuberculosis: Its causes, identification methods, Mode of transmission and control measures” Ms. Cecilia Cynthia Sackey, Suntreso Government Hospital, Kumasi. 8. Talk 2: “Behavioural Change among Youth and towards People living with HIV/AIDS” by Dr. Kwadwo Amoah. 9. HIV/AIDS Presentation by Augustus Okleme, School of Medical Science - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. 10. Question Time 11. Closing Remarks by Chairman
8
12. Vote of Thanks 13. Closing Prayer MC --- Mr. Isaac Asiamah The forum started at 10:30am exactly with about five hundred (500) participants (including both teaching and non-teaching staff). An open prayer was said by the school’s chaplain. The introduction of the chairman and other invited guests was done by the MC of the forum, Mr. Isaac Asiamah. The Chairman also gave a brief keynote address seeking for the cooperation of all present, staff, invited guests and students alike. He highlighted on the urgency of the forum and wasted no time in talks to make way for the forum. The Team Coordinator, Mr. Michael Boampong was introduced and he gave his welcome address and touched on how the team came about and also gave a brief analysis of its set up, with Dr. Amoah as the team advisor. He urged students to rise up to the call whenever they hear the team call. Mr. Stephen K. Acheampong, the Deputy Team Coordinator, was called on to briefly explain the MDGs to the students. Mr. Acheampong made conscious effort to outline and briefly explain the 8 goals to the students. He ended by saying that students should take up the challenge and allow the forum to whip up their emotions and to rise up to work towards achieving the goals as youths. There was a musical interlude afterwards which was given by three students from the Junior Secondary School titled, “Heavens are calling”. TALK AND PRESENTATION 1ST TALK Presenter: Ms. Cecilia Cynthia Sackey Subject: Tuberculosis: Its causes, identification methods, mode of transmission and control measures Notes: Tuberculosis is an infectious air-borne disease, she defined. Ms. Sackey gave statistics of the disease to show the seriousness of the case. She said only 1/3 of the cases are reported in the hospitals. Ms. Sackey said “anybody at all can get the TB since everybody has the TB Basili”. She said “about 80% HIV Patients also have the TB because they do not have the immune system to fight against it”. She also said that the disease has even become more active due to its nature of spread. In explaining, there were two types of TB namely pulmonary TB and the extra pulmonary TB. Ms Sackey said the pulmonary TB is the more serious
9
Left: Ms. Cecilia Cynthia Sackey (TB Coordinator, Suntreso Government Hospital delivering a talk on Tuberculosis.
one since it can be spread from one host person to another person. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called micro-bacterium clossis. When a person coughs, or spits, the bacteria comes out, stays in the air for about two hours and then dies. Therefore she urged all to take along their handkerchiefs to use them when sneezing, coughing, and spitting. Symptoms: persistent cough for 2 weeks or more, chest pains, loss of weight, night sweat, cough with blood. If these symptoms are evident, then TB could be suspected. It is only when there has been an examination, tested and proved. She rather calmed tensions down and said there is treatment for the disease and went on further to say that the treatment is free. Ms. Sackey said treatment last for 8 months and said TB is curable. The control of the disease TB was left to Mr. Yeboah. He said when the bacteria grow wild, it is not curable. So medication should be taken seriously. He finally said TB is not a myth and therefore stigmatization should be avoided. Questions and Answers (Q & A) Q: How does one know his body resistance since you said a person with a high body resistance will not have the disease? A: Body Resistance is easily known by one’s immune system to withstand sicknesses/diseases. If otherwise, then one is likely to fall prey to the disease. Q: Apart from the air, where can the tuberculosis basilia stay? A: In the body and in cowed milk. Q: If the disease is air borne, why should we still draw affected patients closer? A: We should draw closer to them to inform them of the need for them to seek medical attention immediately they realised it. 2ND TALK Presenter: Dr. Kwadwo Amoah Subject: Behavioural Change among Youth and towards People Living With HIV/AIDS Notes: Dr. Amoah gave a talk on behavioural change among youths. He said the keynote cause of the HIV/AIDS is heterosexual relationships. He gave various statistical backgrounds to buttress his point. Dr. Amoah touched on the dressing pattern of the girls in the school. What he knew was dressing was to cover our nakedness not rather to uncover ourselves. He also said to the boys who were in their teen age not to be going about exercising their sexual prowess. Dr. Amoah also touched on stigmatisation of HIV/AIDS clients. He said students should not discriminate against 10
Left: Dr. Kwadwo Amoah (Team Advisor) speaking on Behavioural Change.
HIV/AIDS clients. Discriminating against them can even kill all their hopes and die early.
Question and Answers (Q & A) Q: We have heard that condoms in our country are already infected with the virus. How far is that true? A: Before any passage of condoms for usage in the country, it is screened, tested by the Ghana Standard Board to ascertain its validity and authenticity. The Doctor also pointed out the need for the boys to abstain from sex rather than use condoms. Q: Some people have stayed chaste but why do they still have the disease. A: Getting infected with the disease can sometimes happen accidentally by way of an infected needle, blade, blood transfusion and mother-to-child transmission.
HIV/AIDS PRESENTATION Presenter: Mr. Augustus Okleme
Mr. Augustus Okleme, a student of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, College of Health Science, used PowerPoint presentation to present issues on HIV/AIDS. He touched on the meaning of HIV/AIDS, definition of HIV/AIDS, the symptoms of an AIDS client, the differences between HIV and AIDS. He said some of the symptoms of an HIV/AIDS client are inability of the body to fight against disease and vulnerability to other kinds of diseases. Some of the differences he outlined are that “HIV is invisible but AIDS is visible, HIV develops into AIDS and many people have HIV but few have AIDS�. He gave a simplistic explanation of the abbreviations HIV and AIDS. Mr. Okleme used anecdotes to explain how the virus works to degrade the immune system systematically.
Left: Mr. Augustus Okleme explaining a point on HIV/AIDS using anecdotes.
11
APPRECIATION The school expressed their gratitude and satisfaction through a vote of thanks given by the Girls Prefect of the school. She acknowledged that the programme has really enlightened them on HIV/AIDS, TB and how they can be actively involved in making the MDGs a reality in Ghana by the year 2015. She requested that such programmes should be frequently held and extended to other schools in Ghana. She registered their desire to have an MDG club formed in their school.
CONCLUSION Speaking about HIV is fraught with sensitivities. It is a global problem of catastrophic proportions-a number of adults dying, an increasing number of children growing up without parental care and love. HIV/AIDS and TB is not only about statistics, in terms of the destruction of the social and economic fabric of whole societies/countries/communities, HIV/AIDS is an unparalleled nightmare. Tuberculosis is curable. The pandemic (HIV/AIDS) and TB challenges students and all stakeholders to get actively involved with measurable measures to help manage the challenges of the epidemic. Thanks to the United Nations Millennium Campaign, TakingITGlobal (TIG) and Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) for putting the youth at the forefront of achieving the MDGs and their desire to make the world a better place to live by 2015.
All correspondence in relation to this report should be addressed to the Team Coordinator at ypwc_2005@yahoo.com
12