Rate of new HIV infections in Ghana alarming despite decline in national prevalence - GHANET

The Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) has expressed worry over the surge in new HIV infections in Ghana despite a reduction in the national prevalence rate.

In a statement issued on Monday, December 2, 2024, to commemorate World AIDS Day, GHANET pointed out the alarming increase in new HIV cases, with 34,000 new diagnoses reported between January and September 2024.

"As a matter of fact, even though our national prevalence has declined to 1.53%, the rate of new infections is quite alarming. For example, earlier this year, Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) reported that cases of new infections in the year 2023 was 17,774. Also, in November this year, the National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP) reported that between January and September this year, 2024, the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases came up to about 34,000," it noted.

Despite the decline in prevalence, GHANET stressed that the fight against HIV and AIDS is far from over, urging the public to remain committed.

"We, therefore, on this day, wish to make a special appeal to all Ghanaians, especially the youth, to exercise caution towards risky sexual behaviours. Recent reports of an upsurge in sex parties (orgies) and hookups (transactional sex), coupled with reports of low usage of condoms, is quite worrying," it added.

The Network also called on the government to introduce new interventions to combat HIV and AIDS.

"We also wish to appeal to the government to consider introducing newer interventions and strategies in the fight against HIV and AIDS. For example, the recent introduction of HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) kits has been widely embraced by the Ghanaian public, and there is now a soaring demand for the kits," it noted.

GHANET further proposed expanding access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) as part of these interventions.

"In the same vein, we believe that a mass rollout of interventions on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) will gain high acceptance and popularity, especially among the youth and shore up condom usage. We encourage the private sector, particularly community pharmacies, to support such initiatives and make these commodities available in all nooks and crannies across the country," it added.

GHANET also indicated that Ghana's progress toward achieving the global UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets has been uninspiring.

"Ghana's progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, at the present time, is uninspiring. The country has been able to test only 65% of the estimated 334,000 persons living with HIV (PLHIV). And, out of the number of people tested, only 69% have been put on treatment. And for those on treatment, only 89% have achieved viral suppression.

"A major factor affecting Ghana's national response is the absence of a dedicated fund to support interventions. The promise of succeeding governments to establish an AIDS Fund has only been paid lip service over the years," it added.

World AIDS Day, observed on December 1, is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease and honouring those who have lost their lives to it.

This year's theme, "Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right," emphasises the critical intersection of health and human rights in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Read the full statement below:

JKB/AE

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