The Ghana AIDS Commission has raised concerns about the significant number of Ghanaians living with HIV who remain unaware of their status, revealing that 35% of such individuals have not undergone testing. Of this group, 55% are not enrolled in antiretroviral treatment, posing a major challenge to efforts aimed at combating the epidemic.
Speaking at the 2024 World AIDS Day National Durbar Celebration on December 2, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, outlined the persistent gaps in HIV care and prevention despite notable progress in certain areas. He highlighted how the failure of many individuals to adhere to antiretroviral treatment continues to undermine the Commission’s efforts to meet its treatment targets.
“Despite the progress we have made, the epidemic care continues to show a very low rate of decline,” Dr. Atuahene noted. “It is estimated that 35% of Ghanaians living with HIV have not tested and don’t know their HIV status. While 55% of them are not on antiretroviral medicines.”
This year’s celebration, themed “Ending AIDS Together, Stepping Up Efforts,” brought together stakeholders from across the country to renew their commitment to eradicating the epidemic. Dr. Atuahene acknowledged the gains made in addressing the crisis but emphasized the need for a more robust approach to achieve the ultimate goal of ending AIDS in Ghana.
The Minister for Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, also addressed the gathering, urging stakeholders and advocates to prioritize prevention as the cornerstone of efforts to eliminate the disease. He emphasized the importance of investing resources and energy into preventive measures to achieve long-term eradication.
“As much as possible, we must invest our energies into prevention so that, with time, elimination would be the standard, allowing us to be like other first-world countries,” Dr. Okoe Boye stated.
World AIDS Day, observed globally on December 1 each year, serves as a platform to raise awareness about the epidemic, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. The event also provides an opportunity to assess progress and chart a path forward in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
The Ghana AIDS Commission’s report underscores the urgent need for enhanced education and outreach programs to encourage testing and treatment adherence. These measures are critical not only to improving the quality of life for individuals living with HIV but also to reducing the overall prevalence of the disease.
Stakeholders at the event called for stronger partnerships between the government, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies to mobilize resources and implement innovative strategies for prevention and treatment. The focus remains on achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
Participants also stressed the importance of combating stigma and discrimination, which continue to hinder efforts to encourage testing and treatment. Advocacy groups highlighted the need to create an environment where individuals feel safe and supported to seek care without fear of judgment or prejudice.
The World AIDS Day celebration served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to address the epidemic and the importance of a unified approach in stepping up efforts to end AIDS in Ghana. It also highlighted the resilience of individuals and communities affected by HIV, who continue to demonstrate strength and determination in the face of challenges.
As Ghana works towards the goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat, the call to action is clear: increased investment in prevention, improved access to treatment, and a relentless commitment to ending stigma. The progress made thus far provides a foundation for hope, but achieving the ultimate goal will require sustained effort and collaboration at all levels of society.
