Feature Story

In 1999, when he started working for UNAIDS, Samuel Larkai committed himself to using his driving experience to contribute to ending AIDS by 2030. He started his career in driving as a shipping assistant in a timber firm, after which he moved to the United Nations Development Programme to serve as a driver. He was then recruited by the UNAIDS Country Office for Ghana as a chauffeur. He has driven not only the length and breadth of Ghana but also neighbouring countries, Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso, on official assignments.

Mr Sam, as he is affectionately called, recalls how Ghanaians received the news about HIV in Ghana in the early 1990s. “At the onset, most people heard about HIV via television and radio education. Also, education in schools was intense,” he said.

Looking back, he attributes the rise in new HIV infections to the non-adherence of people to the education they received on HIV prevention. “I also recollect the opposition of religious institutions to condom usage among young people. They felt young people were being encouraged into promiscuity, but of course this was not the case. What they failed to realize was that the spread of HIV needed to stop urgently!” He added that, “Condom negotiation should be encouraged, as having protected sex remains one of the ways to prevent the transmission of HIV.”

Over the years, one issue has continued to cause him sleepless nights—HIV stigma. He recollects an experience at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was refused entry into the HIV clinic, while the UNAIDS country director was allowed in. An official at the clinic explained that his status as an indigen, a native of the town, might allow him to identify some of the people living with HIV locally, with a risk of stigma for anyone he could identify. Reflecting on the negative effects of HIV stigma, Mr Sam believes in the value of education on sexual and reproductive health, which can be an effective weapon in fighting HIV stigma.  

Having worked with UNAIDS in Ghana for such a long time, Mr Sam has seen the progress that has been made. “I am filled with joy when I see people living with HIV exude confidence and power after all they have been through. Many now serve as examples and mentors to the younger generations. This is the way to go!” he said with a smile.

Mr Sam applauds the strides made towards ending AIDS as a public health threat and is confident that it can be achieved by 2030, if everyone keeps trying their very best.