Adapting innovation. Strengthening local leadership.
In Ghana, Beyond Stigma has worked alongside young people, community organisations and local partners to adapt its evidence-informed approach to fit local cultures, languages and lived experiences.
Rather than replicating a programme, we co-created a new model—one shaped by the people it was designed to support.
The Challenge
One approach doesn't fit every community.
Ghana has prioritised adolescent and young girls and women living with HIV as well as sex workers ‘Sisters’ where internal stigma has been found to be a pervasive issue.
Every community experiences internal stigma differently.
For programmes to create lasting change, they must reflect local cultures, languages and priorities.
The adaptation included:
A new five-module programme structure using a dual track approach aimed to support two distinct groups: adolescent young girls and women living with HIV and sex workers
A redesigned participant journal
A Ghanaian identity, name and visual brand
Flexible delivery for different communities and literacy levels
Co-design with young people and local facilitators
The result is a programme that belongs to the community delivering it.
Building on the success of the Wakakosha programme in Zimbabwe, Beyond Stigma partnered with WAPCAS, UNAIDS DAAKYE, Ghana Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance, sex workers and young adolescent women in Ghana to co-create Me Sombo—meaning "I Am Worthy."
Together, we redesigned the programme to reflect Ghanaian culture, language and lived experience while maintaining the evidence-informed principles that underpin Beyond Stigma's approach. This commitment to co-creation has made Ghana an important learning site for programme adaptation and innovation.
From Wakakosha to Me Sombo
"I Am Worthy."
From Adaption to Action
Delivering Me Sombo.
In 2024, Me Sombo was delivered through a six-day residential programme supporting adolescent girls, young women and key populations living with HIV.
To ensure every participant felt safe and supported, the programme was delivered through parallel learning groups with activities adapted for different literacy levels, learning styles and language preferences.
Creative methods, peer discussion and experiential learning helped participants explore internal stigma, strengthen self-worth and build supportive connections with one another.
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GHANA AS A LEARNING SITE
Innovation through adaptation.
Ghana has become one of Beyond Stigma's most important learning environments.
The insights gained through Me Sombo continue to shape how programmes are adapted for different countries, communities and populations.
Learning from Ghana has informed:
Future programme design
Peer support models
Mentorship approaches
Facilitation guides
Community resources
International programme adaptation
Every lesson learned strengthens Beyond Stigma's work around the world.
Sharing Knowledge Globally
From community innovation to international influence.
The learning from Ghana is contributing to the global conversation on internal stigma.
Research and programme findings from Me Sombo were presented at the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), showcasing how community-led adaptation can strengthen mental wellbeing, resilience and stigma-free HIV care.
Beyond Stigma also participated in the ViiV Healthcare Linking & Learning Meeting, sharing Me Sombo as an example of peer-led innovation developed in partnership with local organisations.
Our Partners
Creating change together.
Beyond Stigma works alongside trusted organisations in Ghana, including:
WAPCAS
DAAKYE
Young people with lived experience
Community facilitators
Healthcare professionals
International research and funding partners
Together, these partnerships ensure programmes remain locally led, evidence-informed and sustainable.
LOOKING AHEAD
Building on local leadership.
The future of Beyond Stigma's work in Ghana is rooted in community ownership
In 2025 and 2026, Beyond Stigma provided training so that WAPCAS could support 80 community leaders and clinical psychologists to deliver the Beyond Stigma Peer Support Guide to key populations across the country.
As Me Sombo continues to evolve, we will strengthen peer leadership, expand mentorship, deepen research and continue learning alongside our partners.
Help Create Lasting Change
Together, we can help more people move from self-stigma to self-worth.
Choose how you'd like to support our work.