They are trying to change the behaviour of children in Manya Krobo to fit into modern society especially through education of the girl child, having realized that education is the key to quality life.
With the HIV/AIDS epidemic reaching the proportions that it had in 1994 within the Manya Krobo community, the traditional authorities have recognized the need to spearhead the campaign to curb the raising HIV/AIDS epidemic. They have added the HIV/AIDS control programme as a special assignment in addition to their traditional duties. They are now acting as role models for the women and especially children who are the window of hope in the traditional area and in Ghana as a whole.
The MKQMA has been working to build the capacity of the Queens and other opinion leaders to provide relevant HIV/AIDS information and supporting behavior change intervention activities, including materials development, community outreach programmes, condom promotion and sales for community HIV / AIDS prevention, care and support programme for women and people of Manya Krobo District – Upper and Lower Manya Krobo.
Over 1,035 Orphans have been identified through the home visit programme. A Queen Mother cares between one and six orphans, providing them with shelter, food, clothing, health care and education. These children are growing in a stable environment, free from stigmatization and discrimination, as they have been absorbed into the wider community instead of orphanage homes.
The MKQMA has adopted various HIV/AIDS reduction strategies in their programming. Home visits are conducted by the Queen Mothers to reach out to community members providing them with knowledge and skills to avoid the risks of HIV/AIDS and STI’s while referring the chronically ill to the local St. Martin’s or Atu Government Hospital both in the Manya Krobo district for care.
Community members at risk are also recommended for Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) while pregnant women are encouraged for Pregnant Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) Testing. Through the use of the Queen Mother’s traditional role of visiting households they are able to discuss sensitive topics pertaining to health issues and care for the vulnerable in society especially women and children.
For the continued success of the various programs run through the Queen Mother's Association, we count on your financial support. Please contact us for information on how you can make a difference.
Achievements
- Broke the culture of silence surrounding the HIV and AIDS pandemic in the area
- Contributed to the reduction of the HIV and AIDS prevalence rate from 18% to 6%
- Promoted gender equality
- Re-ignited the need for education for all
- Assisted in formulating a National Policy on Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Ghana and beyond
- Initiated income-generating activities for young girls in tie and die batik, bead-making and soap making
- Obtained support for selected orphans and vulnerable children in terms of feeding, clothing, schooling and HIV and AIDS awareness
- Queen Mothers have been admitted into the Manya Krobo Traditional Council and the Regional House of Chiefs to partake in decision making
- Sensitised the rural population to reduce practice of risky behaviours
- Succeeded in banning aspects of traditional and cultural practices that degrade and endanger females
