An increasing number of Ghanaians living with HIV are now experiencing improved health and longer life expectancy.
Simultaneously, there is a decline in the rate of new HIV infections and HIV-related mortality rates.
Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, revealed these positive developments, crediting the success to the combination of anti-retrovirals (ARV) and comprehensive prevention strategies.
“ARVs have transformed the lives of people living with HIV (PLHIV), offering hope, health and longevity.
“ARVs have revolutionized the lives of individuals living with HIV, providing them with hope, health, and longevity. Moving forward, let us address the challenges ahead, ensuring accessibility, sustainability, and efficacy of our ARV programs,” Dr. Kuma-Aboagye emphasized during the media launch of the 20th anniversary of HIV anti-retroviral treatment (ART) therapy in Accra.
ART, a combination of anti-retroviral drugs, effectively suppresses HIV replication, delaying disease progression and enabling individuals to lead healthier, longer lives. Beyond improving individual quality of life, ART also reduces the risk of virus transmission.
Before the introduction of highly active ART in December 2003, care for people living with HIV focused on managing opportunistic infections and providing psychosocial support. The advent of ART transformed the perception of HIV infection from a perceived death sentence to a manageable condition, offering hope and improving the overall quality of life.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Kuma-Aboagye highlighted persistent challenges such as stigma and discrimination, acting as barriers to testing, treatment, and ARV adherence. To address these issues, he stressed the need to intensify education and sensitize communities, dispelling myths and misconceptions about HIV and ARV. Additionally, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and providing continuous training for healthcare professionals is crucial.
Looking ahead, Dr. Fred Nana Poku, Director of Technical Services of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), mentioned plans for local production of ARVs to address logistical challenges and shortages in the country. The UNAIDS Country Director to Ghana, Hector Sucilla Perez, commended Ghana’s progress but emphasized the importance of addressing regional disparities in HIV testing and ART access.
To celebrate the 20-year milestone, a series of activities, including site tours, a commemorative project, stakeholder dialogues, research conferences, and an awards night, are planned throughout the year. These events aim to honor those contributing to the fight against HIV and raise awareness about the importance of sustained efforts in combatting the epidemic.