Issue
In February 2024, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which some have seen as potentially escalating anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and increasing levels of stigma, discrimination, and disinformation directed at LGBTQ+ communities.
How we are helping
This project aims to support government in combating misinformation, promoting accurate and inclusive information, and ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals can safely access healthcare services, including HIV care, without fear of stigma or violence.
About the project
LGBTQ+ communities in Ghana are facing increasing levels of discrimination and barriers to healthcare, despite parliament passing the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill in 2024.
Project partner, West Africa AIDS Foundation will work with the Alliance for Equality and Diversity to combat misinformation, promote accurate and inclusive information, and ensure LGBTQ+ individuals can safely access healthcare services, including HIV care.
This will be achieved by:
- training staff of national agencies responsible for managing sensitive HIV-related data to enhance their data protection and confidentiality
- fostering collaboration between LGBTQ+ organisations and key national agencies, including partners in the health sector, to promote more inclusive healthcare spaces
- raising awareness among healthcare providers about the specific needs of LGBTQ+ individuals living with HIV, and advocating for non-discriminatory healthcare practices and the adoption of policies that uphold the human rights of LGBTQ+ persons
- strengthening the capacities of LGBTQ+ communities and foster dialogues between them, the media, policy-makers, and the broader public to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equitable access to services.
The project will engage with key stakeholders including the National AIDS Control Programme, and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice.
As a result of the project, it is hoped that LGBTQ+ communities in Ghana can safely access healthcare services, including HIV care, and feel better supported by local healthcare providers.
Project Partners
The West Africa AIDS Foundation (WAAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and management of HIV/AIDS and other public health concerns in West Africa. Founded in 1999, WAAF focuses on education, testing, counselling, and care, with a strong emphasis on reaching vulnerable and underserved populations. Through partnerships, advocacy, and community-based programs, WAAF works to reduce stigma, improve healthcare access, and promote sustainable health solutions across the region.
The Alliance for Equality and Diversity (AfED) is a human rights organisation committed to promoting equality, inclusion, and social justice for marginalised and vulnerable communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals. AfED advocates for policy reform, provides education and awareness programs, and supports community empowerment initiatives. Through partnerships and advocacy, the organisation works to create a more just and inclusive society in Ghana where diversity is respected and human rights are upheld.
We support people's participation in democracy and development by providing grants, platforms, and expertise.
