Ghana Records Over 34,000 New HIV Cases in Nine Months

Urgent Call to Action as Ghana Reports Over 34,000 New HIV Cases in Just Nine Months

The Ghana Health Service’s National HIV and AIDS Control Programme has detected over 34,000 new HIV infections across the country from January through the third quarter of 2024.

This significant increase has prompted health officials to emphasize the importance of regular testing and preventive measures as Ghana strives to eliminate HIV by 2030. According to Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programme Manager of the National HIV and AIDS Control Programme, approximately 1.3 million individuals underwent HIV screening in this period, resulting in the identification of tens of thousands of new cases.

The announcement was made during the launch of Ghana’s 2024 World AIDS Day events by the Ghana AIDS Commission. A candlelight vigil honored those who have lost their lives to AIDS, underlining the need for renewed commitment in tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Celebrated annually on December 1, World AIDS Day serves as a reminder for all nations to prioritize the fight against HIV/AIDS through preventive strategies and accessible care for those living with the virus. This year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path,” emphasizes human rights as central to HIV prevention and treatment.

Dr. Ayisi Addo expressed concern over the high number of infections within just nine months, describing it as a setback to Ghana’s objective of achieving zero new infections by 2030. He urged all sexually active individuals to consistently use condoms and adopt faithful relationships to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, he encouraged those already diagnosed with HIV to stay committed to their treatment regimens to curb further transmission.

Dr. Atuahene Kyeremeh, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to collaborate with partners in reaching the 2030 elimination target. He highlighted the effectiveness of the nation’s free HIV treatment programs, which help suppress the virus and enhance the health of those infected.

To mark World AIDS Day, the Ghana AIDS Commission has organized a series of events, culminating in a grand durbar in Accra on December 2, 2024. 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+), as well as other critical stakeholders committed to fighting HIV/AIDS. Participants voiced strong support for the commission’s efforts to eliminate HIV by 2030, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration, testing, and treatment initiatives.