Accra, Ghana — Ghana’s National HIV and AIDS Control Programme has reported a troubling increase in new HIV infections, with over 34000 new cases detected between January and the third quarter of 2024.
Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programme Manager, shared this data during the launch of the 2024 World AIDS Day campaign, held by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) under the theme, “Take the Rights Path.”
The report was part of a larger call for public awareness and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of routine testing. In his remarks, Dr Addo noted that approximately 1.3 million individuals were screened for HIV during the first three quarters of the year.
“Between January and the third quarter alone, the number of people we identified as positives through our testing activities was 34,000,” he revealed, underscoring the critical need for continued efforts in prevention and treatment.
The launch ceremony included a candlelight procession to honour the lives lost to AIDS, setting a solemn tone for Ghana’s ongoing battle against the epidemic. World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, serves as an international reminder of the fight against HIV and AIDS, encouraging countries to reaffirm their commitments to preventing new infections and supporting those living with the virus.
Dr Addo highlighted that the recorded rise in new infections presents a challenge to Ghana’s ambitious goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. He urged sexually active individuals to prioritize safer sex practices, including consistent condom use, to prevent HIV transmission.
“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 advised. He also stressed the importance of adherence to antiretroviral treatment for those already infected, a step crucial for preventing further transmission.
Adding his voice to the call, Dr Atuahene Kyeremeh, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, reaffirmed the GAC’s dedication to collaborating with stakeholders across all sectors in pursuit of the 2030 HIV elimination target. He noted that free treatment options are available and effective in controlling the virus, encouraging Ghanaians to utilize these resources.
As part of the 2024 World AIDS Day activities, the GAC announced a grand durbar to be held on December 2, 2024, in Accra.
The event will bring together representatives from the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health, UNAIDS, and the National Association of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+), among other partners committed to ending the epidemic.
This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Take the Rights Path,” is a clarion call for Ghanaians to embrace both personal and collective responsibility in combating the HIV epidemic. With the support of the Ghana Health Service and a coalition of partners, Ghana’s leaders remain hopeful of achieving the 2030 target and improving health outcomes for those affected by HIV across the nation.
