Fight against COVID-19: Stigmatization is rearing its ugly head

By: Asore Simon Azumah

Coughing and sneezing, among others, have been identified as symptoms of the COVID-19. This has created a negative attitude of the public towards people who sneeze or cough in public accusing them of having Coronavirus. According to public information, some passengers in Taxis are said to have asked drivers to stop for them to disembark when fellow passenger sneezes or coughs. In Banking halls and other public places, some people have shown a similar attitude to people who sneeze or cough.

 The National Chairman of Ghana NGO Coalition on Health, Dr. Gabriel Bernaku, the Clinical Psychologist at the Bono Regional Hospital, Madam Evelyn Osei Agyapong, and Regional Coordinator of Mental Health, Joseph Yere are educating the public on COVID-19 stigmatization.

Such education has taken place at Radio Brong Ahafo Region (BAR) and Nimde3 Fm station in Sunyani.

L-R Dr. Gabriel Bernaku, National Chairman, Ghana NGO Coalition on health, Francis Owusu Ansah, manager and host of Nimde 3 fm, Evelyn Osei, Clinical Psychologist, Bono regional hospital and Joseph Yere, regional Coordinator, Mental health, Bono region |Photo: Simon Azumah