35% of Ghanaians living with HIV unaware - AIDS Commission

The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has disclosed that 35% of Ghanaians living with HIV are unaware of their status, with 55% of this group not enrolled in antiretroviral treatment.

According to the Commission, this gap has hindered efforts to achieve treatment targets and control the spread of the disease.

Speaking at the National Durbar Celebration of World AIDS Day on December 2, GAC Director-General Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene noted challenges and progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“Despite the progress we have made, the epidemic care continues to show a very low rate of decline.

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,” he stated.

The event, themed “Ending AIDS Together: Stepping Up Efforts,” also featured remarks from the Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, who underscored the importance of prevention in eradicating HIV/AIDS.

“As much as possible, we must invest our energies into prevention so that, with time, elimination would be the standard, and we can aspire to the success seen in first-world countries,” Dr. Okoe Boye said.

While acknowledging these challenges, Dr. Atuahene emphasised the gains made in reducing new infections and increasing awareness.

However, he stressed the need for enhanced efforts to encourage testing and ensure access to antiretroviral treatment.

The Ghana AIDS Commission is calling on stakeholders, health advocates, and the general public to join forces to bridge the gaps in testing and treatment, aligning with global efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS.

World AIDS Day is observed annually to raise awareness, honour those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses, and renew commitment to ending the epidemic.