Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - October 3, 2000
Earlier, mingling with people living with HIV/AIDS outside Accra's main hospital, HRH Princess Astrid said she hoped her presence would help destigmatise those suffering from the disease. According to Ghana Red Cross HIV/AIDS coordinator, Susan Adu-Aryee, many people with AIDS are shunned by their families and communities: "Our royal guest will help us reach a wider audience - so we make a bigger impact."
The Princess was visiting Mozambique, Burkina Faso and Ghana as a Red Cross goodwill ambassador. In Ghana, she spent three days visiting HIV/AIDS projects in and around Accra, helping to ensure that both government and non-government organisations combine their efforts to scale up the battle against the deadly disease.
One of her visits was to a clinic attended by commercial sex workers, who are among the most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. The women had been invited to come and explain to the Princess what it is like to live with the virus in Ghana. The message, delivered in the local "Twi" language, came through loud and clear: they are living on the edge.
For many, forced into prostitution through destitution, the stigma attached to their illegal trade is compounded by the possibility of being infected with HIV. The alleged cruelty or indifference of the police makes matters worse: "We get beaten up by clients when we insist on condoms," one woman said, "and we often have to pay bribes." She and the other women expressed their gratitude to the nurses caring for them under a Canadian government-funded project. Many of them said this was the first time anybody in authority had treated them with dignity. They welcomed the additional dignity of a royal visitor, who, after listening carefully, said she appreciated their frankness and would advocate on their behalf.
The programme also included visiting a Red Cross Mothers' Club, where HIV/AIDS educational role-play was enacted against a backdrop of dancing and singing. Later came a school visit, where a class full of 14-year old boys played a game called "Risk" to determine the dangers involved in various forms of physical contact.
Princess Astrid paid tribute to the young Red Cross volunteers who, "in a creative manner, with rudimentary means, passed on simple messages, which nevertheless save lives."
During her visit, the Princess visited a clinic used by sex workers and a Red Cross Mothers' Club.
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