The winner of the 2023 Miss Malaika Beauty Pageant, Lady Nana Yaa Nsarko, has admonished ‘Kayayeis’ and rape victims to seek immediate medical care within 72 hours to prevent HIV infection.
The National HIV Youth Ambassador emphasised that timely medical intervention is crucial in preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cautioning that delayed medical attention can lead to severe consequences, including HIV infection.
Lady Nana Yaa Nsarko encouraged victims to visit a nearby hospital or healthcare facility, where they can access post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication, counselling, and other support services.
“If you sit at home in fear and don’t visit any hospital, that is when the virus is going to affect you. Seeking immediate medical care after any accidental encounter such as rape or unprotected sex is essential to preventing HIV infection and other health complications.
“You should not hesitate to seek help due to fear, stigma, or shame. There are resources available to support you.”
The beauty queen shared her knowledge, and experiences and emphasised the importance of HIV testing, prevention, and support services.
She encouraged the women to take control of their health.
She made these remarks during her ‘Live On Campaign’, as part of the National ART@20 celebrations of the National AIDS/STI control Programmes with Miss Malaika Gh 2023 caravan.
The outreach which is sponsored by UNFPA and ABBOTT, targets both in-school and out-of-school young people.
The caravan stopped at the 31st December Women’s Market at Makola in Accra on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
At the market, the beauty queen joined and interacted with traders and head potters (known locally as Kayayes) about HIV and related matters.
This vulnerable group are often overlooked in HIV/AIDS education and awareness efforts.
In attendance to address the audience were Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo – the Programme Manager of NACP, Dr Esther Odame Asiedu – Accra Metro Director of Health Services, Ms Gifty Owusu Ansah – regional Focal person on HIV, Ghana Health Service, Ms Gifty Birago – Ghana Health Service, Accra Metro
Dr. Ayisi Addo reiterated the importance of early testing, abstinence, prevention, and early access to support services, revealing that research has shown women are more vulnerable to contracting HIV due to the receptacle nature of their sexual organs.
He also confirmed the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis and upcoming injectables to prevent HIV infection.
Dr. Esther Odame Asiedu in her address hinted at the introduction of self-test kits to simplify the HIV testing procedures.
She highlighted the benefits of the privacy of the self-test.
Speaking on behalf of the Greater Accra Market Queen, Alhaji Karim Lameh Yirbito, the Administrative Head of all Markets in the Ashiedu Keteke Municipality, underscored the importance of the information given to them.
Representatives from Health and Development Planners International the facilitators of the event, s well as sponsors UNFPA ABBOTT and other dedicated staff from the GHS joined Lady’s Caravan to the market, providing free HIV screening and counselling to the market women, traders, ‘kayayes’, and buyers.
Over a hundred ITNs and self-test kits were distributed to the audience.
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