“In a quiet community within the Shama district in the Western region of Ghana where 26-year-
old Fagan lives, life had begun to feel increasingly frustrating for him. For several months, he
struggled with recurring illnesses that seemed to have no clear cause. Despite trying various
treatments, the relief was always temporary. The unanswered questions about his health left him
worried and confused.
Everything changed during a community health screening outreach organized by the WAAF
Community Health Team under the HIV Epidemic Control Activity Program. The outreach
exercise served as a turning point for some individuals who were unaware of their HIV status,
and it was during this activity that Fagan learned of his diagnosis after testing reactive to HIV.
The news overwhelmed him initially, but as Fagan received empathy, guidance, and support
counseling from the health team, he found a moment of hope and began to envision a path
forward. Through counselling, he gained understanding and reassurance. He was confirmed HIV
positive and linked to care at the Inchaban Health Centre, where he began antiretroviral therapy
(ART) and received comprehensive education on living positively with HIV.
Instead of losing hope, Fagan found strength in knowledge. He learned that with strict adherence
to his medication, he could achieve viral suppression, meaning he would regain his health and
would not be able to transmit the virus to others (U=U).
Today, Fagan symbolizes an example of what awareness, early testing, and quality healthcare can
achieve. He remains committed to staying on treatment and now uses his experience to
encourage others in his community to know their status and seek help early. His story advocates
that HIV is not a death sentence; with proper care, it is a fully manageable condition. Fagan’s
journey also demonstrates the importance of community health programs in bringing essential
services closer to the people who need them most. His experience reminds us that access to
information and lifesaving treatment can transform lives and restore hope.
For purposes of anonymity and confidentiality, “Fagan” is a pseudonym used in this success story.”

Fagan’s Path to WellnessNOVEMBER 2025

“In Abuesi, a community in the Shama District in the Western region of Ghana, a trusted WAAF
affiliate and local ghetto gatekeeper—known as “Fada”—noticed a young woman, Ginger,
showing signs of distress and promptly informed the West Africa AIDS Foundation (WAAF)
Shama field team. Ginger had been experiencing abuse from her domineering boyfriend, which
affected her wellbeing and limited her access to essential health services.
Acting quickly on this information, the WAAF field officer engaged with Ginger in a safe and
confidential manner. She received comprehensive support, including psychosocial counselling,
HIV education, and guidance on her rights, as well as referrals to a recommended health facility
in Shama for further care.
Through continued follow-up, Ginger gradually regained her confidence, participated in HIV
awareness sessions, and eventually accessed testing and preventive services which turned out
non-reactive. Today, she is empowered, informed, and actively engages with her community on
health and safety matters. For her continued protection, Ginger has been advised to temporarily
relocate to another community to stay with her aunty, due to her boyfriend’s threatening behavior
which could impede her progress.
This story highlights the critical role of community gatekeepers in identifying vulnerable
individuals, enabling timely interventions, and ensuring that support reaches those most in need,

while reinforcing the importance of confidentiality, trust, and strong community-based
partnerships.
For purposes of anonymity and confidentiality, “Ginger” & “Fada” are pseudonym used in
this success story.”

Spotting the Signs: Community Leadership Driving Protection and CareJANUARY 2026

“In recent months, the Maternal and Child Health Center (MCHH) in Kumasi Metro has
witnessed a notable increase in reported cases of anal warts—an STI often associated with the
human papillomavirus (HPV). Thanks to the timely intervention and provision of free STI
medications by the WAAF field team with funding from the WAPCAS, many of these cases have
been successfully treated, offering much-needed relief to affected individuals
This is a significant stride in community healthcare, particularly for marginalized populations
who often lack access to affordable and stigma-free treatment. The availability of free
medications has not only improved health outcomes but has also restored hope and dignity to
many in the district.
Beyond treatment, this effort has greatly boosted community confidence in the project team on
the field. Peers are increasingly willing to report cases and seek care which is an encouraging
sign of changing attitudes toward sexual health and a step forward in reducing the spread of STIs
in the Kumasi Metro area in Ghana.

First time peers who might need to get tested and get STI screening. They need to have the services
before they can be taken for the NHIS registration but MCHH was not accepting that and the it took
the intervention of the WAAF field team on the GC7project and the director of MCHH for him to
understand that the first time they could access services and later they’ll go back to do the
registration.
Due to STR referrals, we’ve been able to increase our reach because people show up with a lot of
STIs and with the help of the project free STI medication is on the project for the MVPs (Male
Vulnerable Population), peers come for STIs screening. It helps us increase reach.”

GC7