UEW Commemorates World AIDS Day, Pledges Support in the Fight Against HIV
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has reiterated its commitment to HIV awareness, prevention and stigma reduction as it hosted a campus-based sensitisation programme aimed at empowering students and staff to take responsibility for their sexual health.
The event, held at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre on Friday, 6th February, 2026, was under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” It was organised by the UEW HIV/AIDS Centre with support from the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG–UEW), UEW Hospital, UEW Counselling Centre, Radio Windy Bay and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC).
The programme brought together university management, health professionals, municipal education and health officials, students and partner institutions.
In an address delivered on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Rebecca Atchoi Akpanglo-Nartey, the Principal of the College of Languages Education, Ajumako Campus, described World AIDS Day as a moment of global solidarity and renewed commitment in the fight against HIV and AIDS. She explained that the commemoration was deliberately postponed, ensuring students were on campus to participate, stressing that students remain at the heart of UEW’s mission.
Prof. Rebecca Akpanglo-Nartey disclosed that globally, about 38 million people are living with HIV with approximately 1.3 million new infections recorded in 2024 alone. In Ghana, she noted that an estimated 350,000 people are living with HIV with young people, particularly women, remaining disproportionately affected. She emphasised that universities must serve not only as centres of learning but also as communities of care, advocacy and action.
The Vice-Chancellor’s representative encouraged participants to know their status, protect their health and extend compassion to persons living with HIV.
Delivering the welcome address, Mrs. Ekua Abedi-Boafo, the Registrar of UEW, reaffirmed management’s commitment to creating a safe and informed university community. She highlighted the critical role of the UEW HIV/AIDS Centre in providing confidential counselling, testing and support services, describing the Centre as a pillar of care within the University.
Dr. Bernard B. B. Bingab, the Coordinator of the UEW HIV/AIDS Centre, outlined the purpose of the gathering, explaining that it was meant to remember lives lost, re-educate the community and recommit the University to a culture of zero discrimination. He urged students to see themselves as present-day change makers in the HIV response.
Dr. Paulette Brown, the Effutu Municipal Health Director, presented sobering statistics on HIV prevalence in the municipality, revealing that dozens of new cases are recorded annually. She encouraged abstinence, faithfulness, consistent condom use and regular testing, stressing that HIV is now a manageable condition when detected early and treated appropriately.
Dr. John Kanyiri Yamba, the Director of the University Health Services called for increased testing and collaboration across sectors.
Madam Dinah Anderson, the Effutu Municipal Director of Education, emphasised education and stigma reduction as key tools in prevention.
Mr. Bismark Owusu Acheampong, the local NUGS President, urged students to treat HIV education as a life-saving conversation rather than a taboo while Mr. Stephen Nkansah, speaking on behalf of the UEW Cooperative Credit Union, highlighted the link between health, wellbeing and financial stability.
The commemoration reaffirmed UEW’s resolve to lead by example in promoting awareness, reducing stigma and contributing to national and global efforts towards an AIDS-free generation.
