The National HIV and AIDS Control Programme of the Ghana Health Service has reported a concerning rise in HIV cases, with over 34,000 new infections detected from January to the third quarter of 2024. This sharp increase has raised alarms among health officials and underscored the urgent need for public awareness, regular testing, and effective preventive measures to curb the spread of HIV in Ghana.
Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programme Manager of the National HIV and AIDS Control Programme, highlighted the critical role of testing and public screening, disclosing that approximately 1.3 million people were screened during this period alone. “Between January and the third quarter alone, the number of people we identified as positives through our testing activities was 34,000,” Dr. Addo noted. This statistic reflects the ongoing challenges faced by Ghana in achieving its national goal of eliminating HIV by 2030.
The announcement was made during the launch of the 2024 World AIDS Day campaign, organized by the Ghana AIDS Commission. This year’s event, held under the theme “Take the Rights Path,” included a solemn candlelight procession to honor and remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS.
Observed annually on December 1, World AIDS Day serves as a pivotal moment for countries worldwide to renew their commitment to fighting HIV, preventing new infections, and ensuring that individuals living with HIV have access to essential services and treatment.
Dr. Ayisi Addo expressed concern over the high number of HIV cases recorded in the first three quarters of 2024, emphasizing that this trend poses a significant challenge to Ghana’s ambitious target of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
He urged sexually active individuals to be proactive in protecting their health by practicing safe sex and consistently using condoms, which serve as a crucial barrier against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. He emphasized the importance of fidelity in relationships, advising, “The safest way to protect each other is to be faithful to your partner. Reduce new infections by behaving well or abstaining from sexual activities.”
He also appealed to individuals living with HIV to take their treatment regimen seriously, stressing that adherence to antiretroviral therapy is essential for suppressing the virus, thereby reducing the risk of further transmission and allowing those affected to lead healthy lives.
In his address, Dr. Atuahene Kyeremeh, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to collaborating with various stakeholders to meet the shared goal of ending HIV in Ghana by 2030. He emphasized the importance of widespread testing and treatment services, calling on the public to take advantage of the free treatment options available in Ghana.
According to Dr. Kyeremeh, the effectiveness of these treatment options has been demonstrated in numerous cases, with antiretroviral therapy allowing people living with HIV to achieve viral suppression and substantially reduce transmission rates.
Looking ahead to World AIDS Day on December 1, the Ghana AIDS Commission has announced a series of activities planned to commemorate the event and raise awareness of the ongoing efforts to combat HIV.
Key among these activities will be a grand durbar in Accra on December 2, 2024, bringing together stakeholders from across the country. Representatives from the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health, UNAIDS, and the National Association of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+) are expected to participate, alongside other key partners.
The event aims to foster greater cooperation among stakeholders, share insights on recent advancements in HIV treatment and prevention, and mobilize public support for the country’s HIV elimination goals.
Participants at the event expressed their support for the Ghana AIDS Commission’s initiatives, emphasizing the importance of meeting the 2030 target to eliminate HIV.
The widespread availability of screening and treatment services, coupled with a strong commitment from both government and community partners, offers hope that Ghana can achieve its vision of a future free from HIV.
The Ghana AIDS Commission’s World AIDS Day campaign is a powerful reminder of the ongoing efforts to address HIV and AIDS, advocating for continued collaboration and public engagement in the fight against the virus. By strengthening prevention measures, increasing access to testing and treatment, and fostering an environment of support and education, Ghana remains determined to bring an end to the HIV epidemic within the coming decade.
