Former AIDS Ambassador Joyce Dzidzor Mensah has revealed her struggles with suicidal thoughts in the face of public judgment regarding her HIV status.

After denying being HIV-positive, she underwent a public HIV test in June 2021 upon her return from Germany, only to receive a positive result.

During an interview on Onua FM’s Efie Ne Fie, Mensah admitted to considering suicide because of the relentless public scrutiny and insults regarding her HIV status. She also admitted that her original intention was to take her life following the public test, but she received support from an individual in Germany, causing her to reconsider her decision.

She admitted, “I did that test with the intention that afterward I was going to commit suicide but I changed my mind because I got help from Germany. I was just leaving suicide notes behind through my actions on social media but I got help.”

Reflecting on the assistance she received, Mensah emphasized the importance of her role as a mother, acknowledging the impact her death would have on her children. She added, “The person advised me that I have children who need me and even if I do not love myself, I have children and should think about what they will go through when I die.”