TIG Post

Tag: HIV

  • South Africa’s HIV crisis deepens amid US aid freeze

    South Africa’s HIV crisis deepens amid US aid freeze

    A 19-year-old unemployed woman, Nozuko Majola, from a rural village in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is uncertain whether she can afford the one-hour trip to collect her crucial HIV medication.

    The rough, untarred roads in her area often prevent timely delivery to her home.

    “Things will be tough around here, and a lot of people will default on their treatment because we really struggle with transport,” she said. “The mobile clinics hardly come here.”

    Majola’s situation reflects the wider impact of the U.S. foreign aid freeze imposed under former President Trump. This suspension has raised alarm over potential rises in HIV cases and fatalities, as many patients are now unable to access the vital treatment they need.

    A 2024 report from the Human Sciences Research Council revealed that KwaZulu-Natal has the second-highest HIV rate in South Africa, with an estimated 1,300 new infections among young people each week.

    The province also has the highest number of people living with HIV—approximately 1.9 million—contributing to South Africa’s position as the country with the most HIV-positive individuals in the world, totaling over 7.5 million.

    In total, 5.5 million South Africans depend on antiretroviral medication, partially funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). However, the suspension of this crucial aid threatens the future of these treatment programs.

    PEPFAR’s funding, which amounts to over $400 million annually, accounts for about 17% of South Africa’s HIV-related expenses, according to the Health Ministry. Since its launch in 2003, PEPFAR has been instrumental in saving over 26 million lives globally.

    “People who were doing administration and data capturing, whose salaries were funded by PEPFAR, have left. We are a small facility and we cannot handle such a workload,” said the manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press.

    A recent federal ruling temporarily lifted the freeze on funding, allowing some PEPFAR projects to resume, but many organizations have already been forced to close, adding pressure on already overburdened public health facilities.

    Much of PEPFAR’s funding goes to non-governmental organizations that support the government’s HIV response, particularly in rural areas like Umzimkhulu, where unemployment is widespread and access to healthcare is limited.

    With the aid freeze, these services have been significantly disrupted, leaving communities like Majola’s without vital support.

    Nozuko Ngcaweni has been receiving HIV treatment for nearly three decades. Tragically, one of her children also contracted the virus and passed away at the age of 17. She shared how the suspension of aid has already taken a toll on her community, with many individuals missing out on their crucial medication.

    “Not long ago, we said by 2030, we want to see an HIV-free generation. But if things remain as is, we will not achieve that. We will have to deal with deaths,” she said.

    A provincial manager for the Treatment Action Campaign, Mzamo Zondi, which fights for access to HIV care for the impoverished, has been closely tracking the effects of the aid freeze in Umgungudlovu.

    “Our response (to HIV) is likely to falter as we struggle to stop newly infected cases,” he said. “This is a matter of life and death.”

  • AIDS Commission concerned about surging HIV cases in Ashanti Region

    AIDS Commission concerned about surging HIV cases in Ashanti Region

    The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has expressed concern over the rising number of HIV infections in the Ashanti Region, which now exceeds 66,000 cases. Alarmingly, less than half of those infected are receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), despite its availability.

    Ms. Olivia Graham, Ashanti Regional Technical Coordinator of the GAC, highlighted these concerns during an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of a free multiphasic health screening held at Kejetia Market, Kumasi, to mark World AIDS Day.

    The screening exercise included tests for HIV, blood sugar levels, blood pressure (BP), and Body Mass Index (BMI). Free condoms and HIV self-test kits were distributed to encourage safe practices and testing.

    Ms. Graham disclosed that 3,650 new HIV cases were recorded in 2023, indicating that about 10 people are infected daily in the region.

    “Our main focus for the multiphasic screening was to get many people checked for HIV since most people shy away from getting tested,” she explained.

    She noted that the HIV test provided results within 15 minutes, indicating whether they were reactive or non-reactive.

    “The HIV test does not indicate a positive or negative result but a reactive or non-reactive result that takes 15 minutes to be ready,” Ms. Graham said, adding that individuals with reactive results were counselled and referred to health centers for further testing to confirm their status.

    She emphasized that HIV is no longer a “death sentence” due to the availability of effective treatment.

    “There is a treatment for it, and when taken consistently, it reduces the viral load in the body system,” she assured.

    Ms. Graham urged citizens to get tested, know their status, and begin treatment if necessary. She highlighted that achieving the goal of having 95% of infected persons on treatment is critical to controlling the spread of the virus.

    The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day celebration was “Take the Right Path: Ending AIDS Together.”

  • Ghana holds national AIDS durbar today amid surging new cases

    Ghana holds national AIDS durbar today amid surging new cases

    Ghana is set to observe the 2024 World AIDS Day National Durbar today, Monday, December 2, at 9:30 AM, at Exhibition Park near the Spanner Bus Stop in front of Accra Mall.

    The event, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, is focused on the theme “Ending AIDS Together: Stepping up Prevention Efforts,” as the country grapples with a significant rise in new HIV cases.

    The National Durbar will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including prominent leaders such as Hon. Osei Bonsu, Hon. Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, and Hon. Dr. Kyreemah Atabeahene, as well as key figures from various organizations like Mr. Hector Sucilla Perez, Mr. Frank Lube, Mr. Jehuan Ansah, and Ms. Elsie Agyah.

    The event will feature messages from international partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, UNAIDS, and PEPFAR, emphasizing the global importance of tackling the AIDS epidemic.

    https://twitter.com/ghanaids/status/1862780308044529680

    In light of recent data, the event takes on heightened significance. According to Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programmes Manager for the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), Ghana recorded at least 34,000 new HIV cases between January and the third quarter of 2024.

    This surge comes despite ongoing awareness efforts and screening activities conducted by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), which screened approximately 1.3 million people.

    Dr. Ayisi Addo highlighted the urgent need for intensified prevention and treatment measures, warning that the high number of new infections threatens the nation’s goal of eliminating AIDS by 2030.

    He stressed the importance of encouraging people living with HIV to seek treatment, including access to antiretroviral drugs, and called for greater involvement from community groups, religious leaders, and civil society organizations in spreading awareness.

    Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), also underscored the growing public health risk posed by complacency, urging the public to adopt preventive measures like abstinence and condom use. He warned that the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS could falter if the public fails to act with urgency.

    The event today will serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility to fight the AIDS epidemic and promote better prevention efforts across the country.

  • Ghana records 34,000 new HIV infections between Jan-Sep 2024

    Ghana records 34,000 new HIV infections between Jan-Sep 2024

    Since January to the third quarter of 2024, Ghana has recorded over 34,000 new HIV infections, according to the Ghana Health Service’s National HIV and AIDS Control Programme.

    With approximately 1.3 million people screened during this period, Programme Manager Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo stressed the importance of public testing in identifying new cases.

    “Between January and the third quarter alone, the number of people we identified as positives through our testing activities was 34,000,” he noted.

    Dr. Ayisi Addo shared these findings at the launch of the 2024 World AIDS Day, hosted by the Ghana AIDS Commission.

    The event included a candlelight procession in memory of lives lost to AIDS and aimed to mobilize public support for the fight against HIV.

    World AIDS Day, observed every December 1, serves as an annual call for global solidarity in HIV prevention and support for those living with the virus.

    This year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path,” highlights the importance of upholding human rights in the battle against HIV.

    Expressing concern over the high infection rates this year, Dr. Ayisi emphasized that they pose a significant challenge to Ghana’s goal of eradicating HIV by 2030.

    He advised sexually active individuals to use condoms consistently and correctly as a preventive measure and encouraged those infected to adhere strictly to treatment protocols to reduce the risk of 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, urging persons living with HIV to take their treatment seriously to prevent further transmission.

    The Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Atuahene Kyeremeh, reinforced the commission’s dedication to achieving the 2030 goal in partnership with various stakeholders.

    He stressed the importance of widespread screening and treatment services, encouraging the public to utilize free treatment options available.

    To further raise awareness, the Ghana AIDS Commission has organized a series of activities for World AIDS Day, including a major durbar in Accra on December 2, 2024.

    Representatives from the Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, UNAIDS, and the National Association of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+) will participate alongside other key partners.

    Attendees at the launch event expressed support for the Ghana AIDS Commission’s commitment to ending HIV transmission by 2030, uniting behind the shared goal of an HIV-free future.

  • Rev Lawrence Tetteh apologises, retracts comments on HIV cases at UG

    Rev Lawrence Tetteh apologises, retracts comments on HIV cases at UG

    Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, founder of Worldwide Miracle Outreach, has issued an apology to the University of Ghana following remarks he made on the GTV Breakfast Show on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

    In a statement released on October 29, Dr. Tetteh expressed regret for his comments, clarifying that they were not intended to discredit the university, incite fear, promote stigma, or mislead the public.

    During the GTV Breakfast Show interview, Dr. Tetteh mentioned a high prevalence of HIV cases among students at the university.

    “The number of boys and girls in Legon who are HIV positive, you would have the biggest shock of your life. This is sad, this is sad, and I’m happy I’m saying this on national TV,” he said on October 24.

    “Some of these young boys and young girls already on campus are living promiscuous lives, and they have already contracted HIV/AIDS. These are people I have prayed for… and I’m not talking about 10 years, 5 years,” the pastor added.

    In an October 24, 2024, press release, the University described Rev. Tetteh’s comments as “unfounded, insensitive, and disappointing,” emphasising that his statements were not supported by any data and could foster fear, stigma, and misinformation.

    The institution expressed strong disapproval, calling the remarks distasteful and condemning them, while also requesting an apology from Rev. Tetteh.

    In his response today, the clergyman clarified that his remarks were not intended to single out the university or its students but to shed light on the broader challenges facing youth. Rev. Dr. Tetteh explained that his role often involves interacting with individuals who trust him with confidential and sensitive information.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the privacy of those who confide in him and acknowledged the unintended effects of his comments.

    “It is rather unfortunate that in referring to the youth with such problems, I linked or associated it with students of the University of Ghana, thereby giving the university community cause for worry,” Rev. Dr. Tetteh stated in his apology.

    He offered a retraction of his statements and reiterated his deep regret for any distress caused.

    Rev. Dr. Tetteh reaffirmed his respect for the institution and the trust placed in him by those who share personal information with him.

  • UG ‘fights’ Lawrence Tetteh, GTV over unethical, speculative HIV remark

    UG ‘fights’ Lawrence Tetteh, GTV over unethical, speculative HIV remark

    The University of Ghana (UG) has expressed grave concern over recent statements made by Rev. Lawrence Tetteh on GTV’s Breakfast Show, which aired on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

    In his appearance, Rev. Tetteh claimed there was an increase in HIV infections among students at the University of Ghana, attributing the rise to what he described as “widespread promiscuity” among the student body. The University has criticized these remarks as both unfounded and insensitive, pointing out that they are not supported by any available data.

    During the GTV panel discussion, Rev. Tetteh stated, “The number of boys and girls in Legon who are HIV positive, you would have the biggest shock of your life. This is sad, this is sad and I’m happy I’m saying this on national TV.” He further elaborated, “Some of these young boys and young girls already on campus are living promiscuous lives and they have already contracted HIV/AIDS. These are people I have prayed for… and I’m not talking about 10 years, 5 years.”

    He went on to describe what he perceived as a pattern of infection: “It is sad. And if some of them tell you how they get into it, what is happening is that some of these girls go to the place and when they come back they also connect to the boys and girls there. So, a lot of people think that they are getting a boy, they are getting a girl then it (HIV) spreads.”

    In a strongly worded response, UG Management emphasized that public discussions around HIV/AIDS should be rooted in verified facts, not speculative comments. According to the University, “HIV status cannot be determined through counselling or prayer, scientific methods remain the only means for diagnosing infections.” UG stated that baseless statements could mislead the public, increase fear, and contribute to stigmatization and misinformation.

    The University noted that linking HIV prevalence to specific demographics or institutions, particularly without evidence, tends to be sensational rather than constructive. “Statements made without data-backed evidence mislead the public and risk amplifying fear, stigma, and misinformation. Handling sensitive health information requires the highest ethical standards,” UG’s statement read.

    Furthermore, UG voiced disappointment with Rev. Tetteh’s decision to make these comments on national television without regard for the privacy and dignity of those potentially affected. “It is, therefore, disappointing that Rev. Tetteh, given his standing, would make such comments without regard for the privacy and dignity of those affected,” the University stressed.

    In its response, UG highlighted the health measures in place for its student community, including compulsory medical examinations conducted by the University Health Services Directorate and confidential counselling through the Careers and Counselling Directorate. UG reaffirmed its commitment to providing a transformative student experience that prioritizes health, privacy, and support for all students on campus.

    “We assure the University community and the public of our support to all students by providing full access to proper medical care and counselling services,” the statement added.

    UG has urged the media and the public to handle sensitive health topics with a sense of responsibility, focusing on verified facts rather than unsubstantiated claims. It has called for an apology and a retraction from both Rev. Tetteh and GTV, expressing displeasure over the way the discussion was handled during the Breakfast Show.

  • Number of boys and girls in Legon who are HIV positive shocking – Lawrence Tetteh

    Number of boys and girls in Legon who are HIV positive shocking – Lawrence Tetteh

    Founder and President of the World Miracle Outreach, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, has expressed deep concern over the increasing rates of HIV/AIDS infections in Ghana.

    During a panel discussion on GTV on Thursday, October 24, 2024, he highlighted the troubling rise of HIV cases among students, attributing it to prevalent promiscuity.

    Dr. Tetteh specifically noted the surprisingly high levels of infections at the University of Ghana, Legon, calling attention to the urgent need for awareness and prevention measures.

    “The number of boys and girls in Legon who are HIV positive, you would have the biggest shock of your life. This is sad, this is sad, and I’m happy I’m saying this on national TV.

    “Some of these young boys and young girls already on campus are living promiscuous lives, and they have already contracted HIV/AIDS. These are people I have prayed for… and I’m not talking about 10 years, 5 years,” the pastor said.

    He added, “It is sad. And if some of them tell you how they get into it, what is happening is that some of these girls go to the place and when they come back they also connect to the boys and girls there. So, a lot of people think that they are getting a boy, they are getting a girl, then it (HIV) spreads.”

    The Ghana AIDS Commission has raised serious concerns over the alarming statistics of HIV/AIDS cases in the country, as outlined in its 2023 National HIV Report.

    The report reveals that approximately 50 new infections occur daily across Ghana, and over 218,000 people living with HIV remain unaware of their status.

    As reported by Kasapafmonline.com, the data shows that more than 152,000 individuals are currently on anti-retroviral therapy (ART), comprising 36,000 adult males, 109,000 adult females, and 5,000 children.

    Of particular concern is the situation in Accra, where a significant portion of infections affect economically active individuals aged 15 and 49.

    The report estimates that Ghana’s national adult HIV prevalence for 2023 stands at 1.53%, with approximately 334,095 people living with the virus—of which 316,545 are adults (94.7%) and 17,550 are children (5.3%).

    For adults between 15 and 49, the HIV incidence rate for 2023 is estimated at 0.09%, with an anticipated 17,774 new infections, 90.4% of which are among adults and 9.6% among children. Additionally, the report records approximately 12,480 AIDS-related deaths during the year.

  • More infants contracting HIV despite PMTCT initiative – NACP

    More infants contracting HIV despite PMTCT initiative – NACP

    The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) has reported a rise in mother-to-child HIV infections, despite the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) initiative.

    Dr. Stephen Ayisi-Addo, NACP Programme Manager, attributed this increase to inadequate testing and medication adherence among pregnant women, leading to ongoing transmission from mothers to their babies.

    During the 2023 dissemination of National HIV estimates, Dr. Ayisi-Addo expressed concern over the persistent cases of newborns contracting HIV from their mothers.

    The PMTCT initiative, led by NACP, the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), and other partners, aims to prevent HIV transmission from mothers to their babies. Under this intervention, pregnant women are tested for HIV during antenatal care visits, and those who test positive are given medication to protect their babies.

    National HIV estimates revealed that 12,108 mothers aged 15 to 49 are receiving PMTCT treatment, while 13,445 mothers in the same age group need it.

    Dr. Ayisi-Addo noted that many newborns contracting HIV are from mothers who missed testing during antenatal care visits. He emphasized the need to increase testing coverage, stating, “We are talking covering about 90 per cent of all ANC attendance for HIV testing, so those who come in late do not get the treatment to prevent the mother from transmission to the baby.

    “We need to be able to improve the ANC testing coverage. We need to improve so that people will have supervised delivery on their routine services offered when pregnant women come to the facility,” he added.

    He also highlighted the lack of adherence to medication among HIV-positive mothers as a cause of mother-to-child transmission. Despite testing and identification, not all mothers receive the necessary antiretroviral treatment.

    Additionally, only 730 out of about 6,000 PMTCT facilities are providing antiretroviral drugs. In facilities without PMTCT coverage, pregnant women must be referred to other centers, but many refuse due to transportation issues. To address this, the NACP plans to decentralize antiretroviral therapy.

    Postnatal transmission due to breastfeeding exposure remains a concern. The national response program has established strict infant feeding guidelines for HIV-positive mothers to prevent transmission, but adherence is low due to a lack of trained service providers.

    Dr. Ayisi-Addo emphasized the program’s commitment to reducing mother-to-child transmission to 2 percent, the elimination target.

    Dr. Stephen Atuahene, Director General of the GAC, stressed that strict adherence to treatment is crucial for viral suppression, which prevents perinatal transmission.

    He urged HIV-positive women to achieve and maintain viral suppression before and during pregnancy, stating, “It is also the responsibility of the mother to adhere to treatment, maintain viral suppression status and avoid transmission.

    “As long as you can do that, you have a better chance of averting transmission to your baby and so adherence is very crucial to all persons living with HIV and taking the medication. This is so important for mothers because every woman will want to have a healthy baby and therefore you have to avoid any risk that will expose your child to infection.”

  • Hike in HIV transmission from mothers to babies despite PMTCT intervention – NACP report

    Hike in HIV transmission from mothers to babies despite PMTCT intervention – NACP report

    National AIDS Control Programme has reported an increase in HIV infections among infants from their mothers, despite the implementation of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program.

    Dr. Stephen Ayisi-Addo, Programme Manager of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), attributed this trend to inadequate testing and poor adherence to medication among pregnant women. As a result, newborns are continuing to contract the virus from their mothers.

    Speaking at the 2023 dissemination of National HIV estimates, Dr. Ayisi-Addo expressed concern over the persistent transmission of HIV to newborns in healthcare facilities.

    The PMTCT initiative, jointly implemented by NACP, the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), and their partners, aims to prevent HIV transmission from mothers to their babies. Pregnant women are screened for HIV during antenatal care, and those diagnosed positive receive medication to safeguard their infants from infection.

    Recent data from the National HIV estimation indicates that 12,108 mothers aged 15 to 49 are currently undergoing PMTCT treatment, while an additional 13,445 mothers in the same age group require PMTCT services.

    He noted that a lot of the babies contracting HIV from their mothers were babies from mothers who missed testing during ANC, saying, “We are talking covering about 90 per cent of all ANC attendance for HIV testing, so those who come in late do not get the treatment to prevent the mother from transmission to the baby.

    “We need to be able to improve the ANC testing coverage. We need to improve so that people will have supervised delivery on their routine services offered when pregnant women come to the facility,” he added.

    The Programme Manager highlighted that non-adherence to medication among HIV-infected mothers is leading to the transmission of the virus to their newborns.

    He emphasized that not all identified mothers receive the necessary antiretroviral treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

    Additionally, out of approximately 6,000 PMTCT facilities, only 730 are equipped to provide antiretroviral therapy (ARV). Dr. Ayisi Addo noted that some pregnant women face challenges accessing PMTCT services due to transportation issues, prompting a new strategy to decentralize ARV therapy across all centers.

    Dr. Ayisi Addo also addressed postnatal transmission risks, particularly through breastfeeding. To mitigate this, the national response program has implemented strict guidelines for HIV-positive mothers on infant feeding practices.

    However, adherence to these guidelines remains a challenge, contributing to ongoing transmission cases.

    Acknowledging gaps in the implementation of infant feeding guidelines, the Programme Manager attributed this partly to the shortage of trained service providers available to educate mothers effectively on safe feeding practices, potentially exposing babies to the virus.

    “It is our aspiration and determination to make sure that we address all these issues and improve on strategic interventions to improve on the figures and reduce mother to child transmission to at least 2 per cent, which is an elimination target.

    Dr Stephen Atuahene, Director General of the GAC, said strict adherence to treatment was key as it suppressed the virus and would help to avoid perinatal transmission.

    He said it was important for HIV positive women to achieve viral suppression before getting pregnant and necessary to maintain the suppression status, saying, “It is also the responsibility of the mother to adhere to treatment, maintain viral suppression status and avoid transmission.

    “As long as you can do that, you have a better chance of averting transmission to your baby and so adherence is very crucial to all persons living with HIV and taking the medication. This is so important for mothers because every woman will want to have a healthy baby and therefore you have to avoid any risk that will expose your child to infection.”

  • Disclose your status to your partner to check rise in HIV cases – AIDS Commission advises

    Disclose your status to your partner to check rise in HIV cases – AIDS Commission advises

    The Ghana AIDS Commission has identified the failure of couples to disclose their HIV status to each other as a significant factor in the rising HIV infection rates in the country.

    According to Director General of the Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, the lack of disclosure among couples, along with some HIV-positive individuals discontinuing their medication, are key contributors to the increase in infections.

    “The fear of the husband or wife deserting them leads some not to disclose their status. Some are afraid their spouse may discover they are taking daily medication, leading them to hide or discontinue their medicines.”

    He emphasized that women are more susceptible to HIV infection than men and urged women to take proactive measures to protect themselves from contracting the virus.

    “Women must be aware that they are more vulnerable and therefore they should protect themselves. The transmission rate from woman to man is just about 2% whereas it is more than 12 % for a man. That is why women should not gamble with their health and their lives by just accepting that ‘if he will give them more money to have sex without a condom it’s okay for me’.

    “It shouldn’t be okay for you, especially when you might have the untreated sexually transmitted disease, that can also heighten the chance of you getting HIV,” he entreated.

    “Dr. Atuahene elaborated that the mucous membrane lining the vagina is significantly more delicate and susceptible to irritation than its male counterpart, making women more prone to HIV infection due to the increased fragility of their genital tract tissue.

    “When a female has sex with a man, penile sex and the man ejaculates, the sperm which might contain HIV particles may remain in her for quite some time, whereas that of the male you hardly can see that.

    “Secondly, the surface area of the vagina is much wider than that of the male and thirdly the mucus membrane of the vagina is much more fragile than of the male.”

    The Commission reported that in 2023, an estimated 334,095 people in Ghana were living with HIV, comprising:

    – 115,891 males
    – 218,204 females

    Breaking down the demographics of females:

    – Children under 14: 17,550
    – Adolescents (10-19): 16,381
    – Young adults (15-24): 33,245
    – Adults (15 and older): 316,545

  • AIDS Commission partly blames non-disclosure of status by spouses for HIV infections surge

    AIDS Commission partly blames non-disclosure of status by spouses for HIV infections surge

    The Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Steve Kyeremeh Atuahene, has partly attributed the rise in new HIV infections in Ghana to individuals’ reluctance to disclose their HIV status to their spouses, fearing desertion.

    Dr. Atuahene emphasized that the refusal of some HIV-positive individuals to continue their medication was a significant factor in the spike.

    He explained, “The fear of the husband or wife deserting them leads some not to disclose their status. Some are afraid their spouse may discover they are taking daily medication, leading them to hide or discontinue their medicines.”

    According to the Ghana AIDS Commission, over 334,000 people live with HIV in Ghana. In 2023, the country reported 17,774 new cases, with 11,317 women and 6,457 men affected.

    This alarming trend has prompted the commission to address the underlying causes and increase awareness about the importance of medication adherence and status disclosure.

    Dr. Atuahene highlighted the increased vulnerability of females to HIV infections compared to males. He explained, “When a female has sex with a man, penile sex and the man ejaculates, the sperm which might contain HIV particles may remain in her for quite some time, whereas that of the male you hardly can see that. Secondly, the surface area of the vagina is much wider than that of the male, and thirdly, the mucus membrane of the vagina is much more fragile than that of the male.”

    Additionally, the Director General noted that universal male circumcision in Ghana serves as a protective factor against HIV transmission. “Women must be aware that they are more vulnerable and therefore they should protect themselves,” he emphasized.

    Dr. Atuahene also pointed out the significant difference in transmission rates between genders.

    “The transmission rate from woman to man is just about 2%, whereas it is more than 12% for a man. That is why women should not gamble with their health and their life by just accepting that ‘if he will give them more money to have sex without a condom, it’s okay for me.’ It shouldn’t be okay for you, especially when you might have untreated sexually transmitted diseases that can also heighten the chance of you getting HIV,” he warned.

    The Ghana AIDS Commission continues to advocate for increased awareness and preventive measures to combat the rise in HIV infections.

    By addressing issues such as status disclosure, medication adherence, and gender-specific vulnerabilities, the commission aims to reduce the incidence of HIV and improve the quality of life for those affected.

  • Are you not afraid of HIV? – Berla Mundi asks Ghanaians engaged in unprotected sex with multiple partners

    Are you not afraid of HIV? – Berla Mundi asks Ghanaians engaged in unprotected sex with multiple partners

    Renowned Ghanaian media personality Berla Mundi has sparked an important conversation about the rising cases of HIV in the country, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility in sexual health.

    In a thought-provoking post on the social media platform X, Berla questioned why many young people in Ghana continue to engage in unprotected sex despite the known risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS.

    “Are you not afraid of contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs?” Berla quizzed, addressing the alarming trend of multiple sexual partners without the use of condoms.

    Her post received various responses, but one in particular stood out. A user suggested, perhaps humorously, that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia should innovate a solution through the Ghana Card system to alert partners of infidelity. The comment appeared to mock the Vice President’s push for digitalization within the government.

    “Yo, to curb this menace, I think Bawumia should come up with an innovation that would only allow one to have one partner at a time. Your Ghana Card would be linked to your partner’s, and as soon as you try to have sex with another, a notification would be sent to your partner,” the user wrote.

    Berla Mundi’s response was direct and emphasized personal accountability. She reminded the user that it is not the responsibility of the Vice President to prevent individuals from engaging in unprotected sex. Instead, she stressed that it is up to each person to use common sense and prioritize their own health.

    “Unrealistic. It’s not the VP’s job to stop you from having unprotected sex. You must have common sense and the desire to protect your own life,” Berla replied.

    Her remarks highlight the crucial role of individual responsibility in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other STDs.

    Berla Mundi’s call for self-protection and sensible behavior serves as a timely reminder for Ghanaians to be more mindful of their sexual health practices, particularly in light of the rising HIV cases in the country.

    Ghana is experiencing an average of 50 new HIV infections daily, with the majority of cases occurring among individuals aged 15 to 49, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission.

    This economically active population group represents a significant portion of new infections. The commission released these figures during the unveiling of the 2023 national and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections.

    The data also revealed that out of the 334,095 people living with HIV/AIDS in the country, 17,550 were children below the age of 15. Additionally, there were 17,774 new HIV infections, with 1,698 being children below 15 years and 16,076 representing adults above 15 years.

    While there has been a decline in new infections, AIDS deaths, and HIV prevalence, the progress is not sufficient to meet the set goals and targets.

    During a media engagement to disseminate the results and discuss their implications, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, emphasized the need for more efforts to achieve the expected targets.

    The forum, attended by media professionals and stakeholders in the HIV response sector, highlighted regional and district-level variations in prevalence and new infections, with Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern regions recording the highest numbers of persons living with HIV.

    Challenges identified by the commission include data capture, validation, and quality issues, which need to be addressed urgently. Dr. Atuahene acknowledged the concern over continued mother-to-child transmission, attributing it to gaps in the healthcare system and calling for collective efforts to address the issue.

    Stakeholders were urged to work together to achieve the 95-95 targets by the end of 2025 and 98-98 by the end of 2030.

    The commission acknowledged the support of stakeholders, including the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, Ghana Health Service, UNAIDS, World Health Organisation, and the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), in generating the data.

    UNAIDS Country Director Hector Sucilla Perez emphasized the importance of understanding the epidemic and using data for action to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

    Ms. Perez highlighted the critical role of the media in advocating for the needs of persons living with HIV and improving societal enablers to create an enabling environment.

    The Country Director of the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Tony Ao, commended Ghana’s efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS and its progress towards achieving high-quality data to guide the national response.

    He encouraged stakeholders to use the data judiciously, with technical guidance from experts, to ensure meaningful interpretation and application.

    The CDC reiterated its commitment to supporting Ghana’s national AIDS response and praised the country’s progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

  • It isn’t Bawumia’s job to stop you from having unprotected sex, it’s common sense – Berla Mundi schools X user

    It isn’t Bawumia’s job to stop you from having unprotected sex, it’s common sense – Berla Mundi schools X user

    Renowned Ghanaian media personality, Berla Mundi, has schooled a Ghanaian over whose primary responsibility it is to ensure one is protected from sexually transmitted diseases when sexually active.

    In a post discussing the rise in HIV cases in the country, Berla in a post on X asked whether it is it a good time to discuss reasons why many young people have multiple sexual partners and yet refuse to use condoms.

    “Are you not afraid of contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs?” she quizzed.

    A user in response to her question noted that Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia should come up with an innovation through the Ghana Card that would alert one’s partner if he or she engages in unfaithful acts. It is believed that the user made the comment in jest to ridicule the Vice President who presently touts government’s digitalization drive.

    “Yo (To sic) curb this menace, I think Bawumia should come up with an innovation that would only allow one to have one partner at a time. Your Ghana card would be linked to your partner’s, and soon as you try to have sex with another, a notification would be sent to your partner,” the user wrote.

    Reacting to this, Berla reminded the user that the onus lies on oneself to protect his or her life, and hence must act based on common sense.

    “Unrealistic. It’s not the VP’s job to stop you from having unprotected sex. You must have common sense and the desire to protect your own life,” she wrote.

    New data from the Ghana AIDS Commission reveals a concerning surge in new HIV cases recorded.

    In 2023, 17,774 individuals contracted the virus.

    This marks a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Ghana recorded a decline in new HIV infections in 2022, with 16,574 cases reported compared to 18,036 in 2021.

    Females accounted for a significant majority of new infections in 2023, with 11,317 women newly infected, representing 63.67% of the total, while 6,457 males were infected, representing 36.32%.

    Among the newly infected individuals, 4,869 were youths aged 15 to 24, 1,698 were children under 15, 1,520 were adolescents aged 10 to 19, and 16,076 were adults over 15. This data highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies, especially among young people and adolescents.

    As of 2023, an estimated 334,095 people in Ghana were living with HIV, with females outnumbering males. This includes 17,550 children under 14, 16,381 adolescents aged 10 to 19, 33,245 young adults aged 15 to 24, and 316,545 adults aged 15 and above.

    Despite progress in treatment availability, 12,480 Ghanaians died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023, highlighting the need for increased access to appropriate treatments and care.

    The Ghana AIDS Commission remains committed to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets by 2025, aiming to have 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95% of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART achieving viral suppression. In 2023, Ghana achieved 65.3%, 69.4%, and 89.0% for the respective targets.

    Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, has called for increased efforts to combat AIDS, particularly among the economically active population aged 15 to 49. He emphasized that addressing the AIDS epidemic should be a national priority in Ghana.

    Causes of HIV and Prevention:
    HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, from a person who has HIV. The most common ways HIV is transmitted include:

    1. Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
    2. Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV.
    3. Receiving contaminated blood products or organ transplants.
    4. From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

    Prevention efforts include:

    1. Practising safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly.
    2. Getting tested and knowing your partner’s HIV status.
    3. Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
    4. Take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk of HIV.
    5. Ensuring access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those living with HIV to achieve viral suppression and reduce the risk of transmission.

    Education, awareness, and access to healthcare services are crucial in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is essential for individuals to know their status, seek appropriate care and treatment, and adopt preventive measures to reduce the spread of HIV.

    2022_HIV_Estimates_Fact_SheetfinalDownload
  • More Ghanaians contracting HIV; new cases surge by 7%

    More Ghanaians contracting HIV; new cases surge by 7%

    New data from the Ghana AIDS Commission reveals a concerning surge in new HIV cases recorded.

    In 2023, 17,774 individuals contracted the virus.

    This marks a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Ghana recorded a decline in new HIV infections in 2022, with 16,574 cases reported compared to 18,036 in 2021.

    Females accounted for a significant majority of new infections in 2023, with 11,317 women newly infected, representing 63.67% of the total, while 6,457 males were infected, representing 36.32%.

    Among the newly infected individuals, 4,869 were youths aged 15 to 24, 1,698 were children under 15, 1,520 were adolescents aged 10 to 19, and 16,076 were adults over 15. This data highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies, especially among young people and adolescents.

    As of 2023, an estimated 334,095 people in Ghana were living with HIV, with females outnumbering males. This includes 17,550 children under 14, 16,381 adolescents aged 10 to 19, 33,245 young adults aged 15 to 24, and 316,545 adults aged 15 and above.

    Despite progress in treatment availability, 12,480 Ghanaians died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023, highlighting the need for increased access to appropriate treatments and care.

    The Ghana AIDS Commission remains committed to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets by 2025, aiming to have 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95% of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART achieving viral suppression. In 2023, Ghana achieved 65.3%, 69.4%, and 89.0% for the respective targets.

    Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, has called for increased efforts to combat AIDS, particularly among the economically active population aged 15 to 49. He emphasized that addressing the AIDS epidemic should be a national priority in Ghana.

    Causes of HIV and Prevention:
    HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, from a person who has HIV. The most common ways HIV is transmitted include:

    1. Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
    2. Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV.
    3. Receiving contaminated blood products or organ transplants.
    4. From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

    Prevention efforts include:

    1. Practising safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly.
    2. Getting tested and knowing your partner’s HIV status.
    3. Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
    4. Take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk of HIV.
    5. Ensuring access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those living with HIV to achieve viral suppression and reduce the risk of transmission.

    Education, awareness, and access to healthcare services are crucial in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is essential for individuals to know their status, seek appropriate care and treatment, and adopt preventive measures to reduce the spread of HIV.

    2022_HIV_Estimates_Fact_SheetfinalDownload
  • 50 Ghanaians contract HIV daily – AIDS Commission

    50 Ghanaians contract HIV daily – AIDS Commission

    Ghana is experiencing an average of 50 new HIV infections daily, with the majority of cases occurring among individuals aged 15 to 49, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission.

    This economically active population group represents a significant portion of new infections. The commission released these figures during the unveiling of the 2023 national and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections.

    The data also revealed that out of the 334,095 people living with HIV/AIDS in the country, 17,550 were children below the age of 15. Additionally, there were 17,774 new HIV infections, with 1,698 being children below 15 years and 16,076 representing adults above 15 years.

    While there has been a decline in new infections, AIDS deaths, and HIV prevalence, the progress is not sufficient to meet the set goals and targets.

    During a media engagement to disseminate the results and discuss their implications, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, emphasized the need for more efforts to achieve the expected targets.

    The forum, attended by media professionals and stakeholders in the HIV response sector, highlighted regional and district-level variations in prevalence and new infections, with Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern regions recording the highest numbers of persons living with HIV.

    Challenges identified by the commission include data capture, validation, and quality issues, which need to be addressed urgently. Dr. Atuahene acknowledged the concern over continued mother-to-child transmission, attributing it to gaps in the healthcare system and calling for collective efforts to address the issue.

    Stakeholders were urged to work together to achieve the 95-95 targets by the end of 2025 and 98-98 by the end of 2030.

    The commission acknowledged the support of stakeholders, including the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, Ghana Health Service, UNAIDS, World Health Organisation, and the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), in generating the data.

    UNAIDS Country Director Hector Sucilla Perez emphasized the importance of understanding the epidemic and using data for action to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

    Ms. Perez highlighted the critical role of the media in advocating for the needs of persons living with HIV and improving societal enablers to create an enabling environment.

    The Country Director of the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Tony Ao, commended Ghana’s efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS and its progress towards achieving high-quality data to guide the national response.

    He encouraged stakeholders to use the data judiciously, with technical guidance from experts, to ensure meaningful interpretation and application.

    The CDC reiterated its commitment to supporting Ghana’s national AIDS response and praised the country’s progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

  • ALARMING: Ghana’s AIDS-related deaths grow by 33%

    ALARMING: Ghana’s AIDS-related deaths grow by 33%

    Ghana is facing a concerning rise in HIV-related deaths, with new data revealing a staggering 33% increase in fatalities in 2023.

    According to reports from the Ghana AIDS Commission, 12,480 Ghanaians lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses last year, compared to 9,359 deaths recorded in 2022.

    Unfortunately, deaths resulting from AIDS recorded for persons of all ages were 9,359.

    The 2022 statistics show that Adults (15+ years) were 7,179; children (0-14 years) 2,180; adolescents (10–19 years) 645 and young people (15–24 years) were 739.

    The rise in deaths comes amidst a backdrop of increasing HIV infections, with 17,774 new cases reported in 2023. Females accounted for a significant majority of new infections, comprising 63.67% of the total cases, while males made up the remaining 36.32%.

    Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, has expressed deep concern over the alarming trend, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in the country.

    He emphasized that many of the recent deaths were preventable with timely access to appropriate treatments and comprehensive healthcare services.

    Despite progress in HIV treatment availability, Ghana continues to face challenges in achieving the global 95-95-95 targets by 2025.

    These targets aim to have 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95% of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART achieving viral suppression. In 2023, Ghana achieved 65.3%, 69.4%, and 89.0% for the respective targets, indicating the need for accelerated efforts and collaborative initiatives to improve outcomes.

    Dr. Atuahene called for increased efforts to combat AIDS, particularly among the economically active population aged 15 to 49, emphasizing that addressing the AIDS epidemic should be a national priority in Ghana.

    He stressed the importance of education, awareness, and access to preventive measures and treatment services in reducing new infections and preventing HIV-related deaths.

    As Ghana grapples with the impact of HIV/AIDS, there is an urgent need for coordinated action from government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and the private sector to curb the spread of the virus and improve outcomes for those affected.

  • Ghana’s new HIV cases recorded surges by 7%

    Ghana’s new HIV cases recorded surges by 7%

    New data from the Ghana AIDS Commission reveals a concerning surge in new HIV cases recorded.

    In 2023, 17,774 individuals contracted the virus.

    This marks a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Ghana recorded a decline in new HIV infections in 2022, with 16,574 cases reported compared to 18,036 in 2021.

    Females accounted for a significant majority of new infections in 2023, with 11,317 women newly infected, representing 63.67% of the total, while 6,457 males were infected, representing 36.32%.

    Among the newly infected individuals, 4,869 were youths aged 15 to 24, 1,698 were children under 15, 1,520 were adolescents aged 10 to 19, and 16,076 were adults over 15. This data highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies, especially among young people and adolescents.

    As of 2023, an estimated 334,095 people in Ghana were living with HIV, with females outnumbering males. This includes 17,550 children under 14, 16,381 adolescents aged 10 to 19, 33,245 young adults aged 15 to 24, and 316,545 adults aged 15 and above.

    Despite progress in treatment availability, 12,480 Ghanaians died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023, highlighting the need for increased access to appropriate treatments and care.

    The Ghana AIDS Commission remains committed to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets by 2025, aiming to have 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95% of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART achieving viral suppression. In 2023, Ghana achieved 65.3%, 69.4%, and 89.0% for the respective targets.

    Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, has called for increased efforts to combat AIDS, particularly among the economically active population aged 15 to 49. He emphasized that addressing the AIDS epidemic should be a national priority in Ghana.

    Causes of HIV and Prevention:
    HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, from a person who has HIV. The most common ways HIV is transmitted include:

    1. Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
    2. Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV.
    3. Receiving contaminated blood products or organ transplants.
    4. From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

    Prevention efforts include:

    1. Practising safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly.
    2. Getting tested and knowing your partner’s HIV status.
    3. Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
    4. Take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk of HIV.
    5. Ensuring access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those living with HIV to achieve viral suppression and reduce the risk of transmission.

    Education, awareness, and access to healthcare services are crucial in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is essential for individuals to know their status, seek appropriate care and treatment, and adopt preventive measures to reduce the spread of HIV.

    2022_HIV_Estimates_Fact_SheetfinalDownload
  • Women account for 64% of new HIV cases recorded in 2023 – Ghana AIDS Commission

    Women account for 64% of new HIV cases recorded in 2023 – Ghana AIDS Commission

    New data from the Ghana AIDS Commission reveals that 17,774 individuals in Ghana contracted HIV in 2023, with females accounting for a significant majority of new infections.

    During a press briefing in Accra, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, disclosed that 11,317 females- representing 63.67%, and 6,457 males, representing 36.32%, were newly infected with HIV last year.

    This data includes 4,869 youths aged 15 to 24, 1,698 children under 15, 1,520 adolescents aged 10 to 19, and 16,076 adults over 15.

    Despite a 14.8 percent reduction in new HIV infections over the past decade, Ghana has not met its annual target of a 17 percent reduction. Dr. Atuahene emphasized the need for more ambitious goals, setting a target of a 41 percent reduction in new HIV infections between 2023 and 2030.

    As of 2023, an estimated 334,095 people in Ghana were living with HIV, with females outnumbering males. The affected population includes 17,550 children under 14, 16,381 adolescents aged 10 to 19, 33,245 young adults aged 15 to 24, and 316,545 adults aged 15 and above.

    Despite progress in HIV treatment availability, 12,480 Ghanaians died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023. Dr. Atuahene emphasized that these deaths were preventable with access to appropriate treatments.

    Ghana remains committed to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets by 2025, aiming to have 95 percent of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on ART achieving viral suppression. In 2023, Ghana achieved 65.3 percent, 69.4 percent, and 89.0 percent for the respective targets.

    Dr. Atuahene called for increased efforts to combat AIDS, particularly among the economically active population aged 15 to 49. He emphasized that addressing the AIDS epidemic should be a national priority in Ghana.

  • Unprotected gay, transgender sexual relations partly responsible for rising HIV infections – AIDS Commission

    Unprotected gay, transgender sexual relations partly responsible for rising HIV infections – AIDS Commission

    The Ghana AIDS Commission has expressed concern over the low rate of condom use among sexually active individuals, citing it as a contributing factor to the recent increase in HIV infections in the country.

    According to the Commission, the rise in HIV cases is particularly noticeable among men who have sex with men, where condom use is reportedly low.

    This population group is seen as a “bridging population,” potentially spreading the virus to others in the community through bisexual behavior.

    “For instance, if we take men who have sex with men, the survey we conducted shows that about 50% of them are young people who are bisexuals. So they may be sleeping with men but are also sleeping with women and those women have other partners and they continue to spread HIV. So, the reality is that HIV is an issue in Ghana. We have not ended it yet, it has not stopped and transmission is still occurring,” he said.

    Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programmes Manager of the National AIDS Control Programme, highlighted the need for increased education on the importance of condom use and HIV prevention.

    He noted that while progress has been made in HIV awareness and treatment, there is still a lack of understanding among the youth about the seriousness of the disease.

    The Commission’s concerns come as Ghana recorded 17,000 new HIV infections and 12,000 related deaths in 2023. Dr. Addo emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to prevent further transmission and reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

  • 12,480 Ghanaians died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023 – AIDS Commission

    12,480 Ghanaians died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023 – AIDS Commission

    The latest report from the Ghana AIDS Commission reveals that a total of 12,480 Ghanaians lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses in 2023.

    This figure highlights the ongoing challenges faced in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country.

    The report also revealed that 17,774 individuals in Ghana contracted HIV in the same year, with females accounting for a significant majority of new infections.

    Of the newly infected individuals, 11,317 were females, while 6,457 were males. This data includes various age groups, with 4,869 youths aged 15 to 24, 1,698 children under 15, 1,520 adolescents aged 10 to 19, and 16,076 adults over 15.

    Despite efforts to reduce new HIV infections, Ghana has not met its annual target of a 17 percent reduction. To address this, the Ghana AIDS Commission has set a new target of a 41 percent reduction in new HIV infections between 2023 and 2030.

    As of 2023, an estimated 334,095 people in Ghana were living with HIV, with females outnumbering males. This includes 17,550 children under 14, 16,381 adolescents aged 10 to 19, 33,245 young adults aged 15 to 24, and 316,545 adults aged 15 and above.

    The report emphasized the importance of increasing efforts to combat AIDS, especially among the economically active population aged 15 to 49.

    It also highlighted the need for Ghana to remain committed to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets by 2025, which aim to have 95 percent of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on ART achieving viral suppression.

    The Ghana AIDS Commission called for a collective effort to address the AIDS epidemic and emphasized that it should be a national priority.

  • Over 11,000 women contracted HIV in 2023 – Ghana AIDS Commission

    Over 11,000 women contracted HIV in 2023 – Ghana AIDS Commission

    New data from the Ghana AIDS Commission reveals that 17,774 individuals in Ghana contracted HIV in 2023, with females accounting for a significant majority of new infections.

    During a press briefing in Accra, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, disclosed that 11,317 females and 6,457 males were newly infected with HIV last year.

    This data includes 4,869 youths aged 15 to 24, 1,698 children under 15, 1,520 adolescents aged 10 to 19, and 16,076 adults over 15.

    Despite a 14.8 percent reduction in new HIV infections over the past decade, Ghana has not met its annual target of a 17 percent reduction. Dr. Atuahene emphasized the need for more ambitious goals, setting a target of a 41 percent reduction in new HIV infections between 2023 and 2030.

    As of 2023, an estimated 334,095 people in Ghana were living with HIV, with females outnumbering males. The affected population includes 17,550 children under 14, 16,381 adolescents aged 10 to 19, 33,245 young adults aged 15 to 24, and 316,545 adults aged 15 and above.

    Despite progress in HIV treatment availability, 12,480 Ghanaians died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023. Dr. Atuahene emphasized that these deaths were preventable with access to appropriate treatments.

    Ghana remains committed to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets by 2025, aiming to have 95 percent of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on ART achieving viral suppression. In 2023, Ghana achieved 65.3 percent, 69.4 percent, and 89.0 percent for the respective targets.

    Dr. Atuahene called for increased efforts to combat AIDS, particularly among the economically active population aged 15 to 49. He emphasized that addressing the AIDS epidemic should be a national priority in Ghana.

  • 17, 774 people got infected with HIV in 2023 – AIDS Commission

    17, 774 people got infected with HIV in 2023 – AIDS Commission

    New data from the 2023 national and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections reveal that 17,774 individuals in Ghana contracted HIV last year, comprising 6,457 males and 11,317 females.

    This data was disclosed by Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, during a press briefing in Accra.

    The newly infected individuals include 4,869 youths aged 15 to 24, 1,698 children under 15, 1,520 adolescents aged 10 to 19, and 16,076 adults over 15. Despite a 14.8 percent reduction in new HIV infections over the past decade, Ghana has fallen short of its annual target of a 17 percent reduction.

    Dr. Atuahene highlighted the ambitious goal set for the future: a 41 percent reduction in new HIV infections between 2023 and 2030.

    As of 2023, an estimated 334,095 people in Ghana were living with HIV, with females (218,204) outnumbering males (115,891). The affected population includes 17,550 children under 14, 16,381 adolescents aged 10 to 19, 33,245 young adults aged 15 to 24, and 316,545 adults aged 15 and above. The HIV population in Ghana increased by nine percent from 2013 to 2023 and is projected to rise by 6.8 percent by 2030.

    The projections also indicate that 12,480 Ghanaians succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses in 2023. Dr. Atuahene emphasized that these deaths were preventable, pointing to the availability of treatments that can halt the disease’s progression and prevent fatalities.

    Despite these challenges, Ghana remains committed to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets by 2025, which aim to have 95 percent of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on ART achieving viral suppression. In 2023, Ghana achieved 65.3 percent for the first target, 69.4 percent for the second, and 89.0 percent for the third.

    Dr. Atuahene underscored the importance of prioritizing the fight against AIDS, particularly since the most affected demographic, those aged 15 to 49, constitutes the economically active population. He called for a collective effort to halt the AIDS epidemic in Ghana, stressing that it should be a national priority.

  • Majority of those living with HIV are adults aged 25 and above – AIDS Commission

    Majority of those living with HIV are adults aged 25 and above – AIDS Commission

    The Ghana AIDS Commission has raised alarms over the rising rate of new HIV infections and highlighted the age groups most affected in the country.

    As a result, the Commission has underscored the necessity for Ghana to declare and implement strategies aimed at achieving epidemic control.

    Between 2013 and 2023, Ghana experienced a 9.0% increase in the HIV population, with a projected 6.8% rise expected from 2023 to 2030.

    However, new HIV infections saw a 14.8% decrease to 17,774 cases. AIDS-related deaths also decreased by 20.5%, totaling 12,480 fatalities during the same period, with an anticipated further reduction of 58.1% by 2030.

    Accra, Ashanti, and the Eastern Region report the highest number of HIV cases nationwide, while the Bono Region leads with an HIV prevalence rate of 2.12%.

    Presenting the 2023 national and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections at a press conference in Accra, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, called for stringent measures to achieve epidemic control.

    “Adults aged 25 and above constitute the majority of the HIV population, which is about 84.7 percent. You can see quite clearly that the bulk of the people either dying of AIDS, being newly infected and being one of the HIV population in the country lie between the ages of, 15 to 49.

    “That’s where you see the bulk of the population. This population is an economically active population. These are the people who work and earn income to support the country as well as the dependent population in the country.”

    “That is the aged and the children who are not working. I’m making this point because it shows quite clearly that HIV is a developmental issue. It’s an economic issue, and it’s also a business issue.

    “And so we should remember that our ability to eliminate AIDS or end AIDS and achieve epidemic control in the country should be the business of everyone, and therefore, we need to work together,” he stated.

  • Locked medical supplies are not TB and HIV drugs – Health Ministry reveals

    Locked medical supplies are not TB and HIV drugs – Health Ministry reveals

    The Ministry of Health has refuted allegations that the locked containers from the Global Fund at Tema port contain essential medications for tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS treatment.

    This denial comes after concerns were raised by health-focused civil society organizations (CSOs) regarding potential negative consequences from the Global Fund, which has threatened to withdraw its support to Ghana if the containers are not cleared swiftly.

    In response to the CSOs’ claims that the drugs inside the containers are deteriorating at the port, Isaac Offei Baah, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, clarified that the locked containers primarily contain mosquito nets and not TB or HIV/AIDS medications.

    He emphasized that the Ministry remains firm on this clarification amid the ongoing controversy.

    “I want to put it on record that we have mosquito nets, and we don’t have anything like HIV drugs or TB drugs [locked up at the port].”

    “Once it is something that has been given to the people of Ghana, we are working towards getting them out and putting them to good use.”

    “So for clarity sake, we don’t have any HIV drugs locked up at the port that we have not cleared. All those ones were cleared somewhere last April,” he said.

  • I love my wife, but I cheated on her and now I have HIV – Man cries out for help

    I love my wife, but I cheated on her and now I have HIV – Man cries out for help

    A married man has expressed deep regret after engaging in infidelity with a national service personnel while his wife was away.

    The man shared that he was enticed by the constant care shown by the young lady, ultimately leading to their intimate encounter.

    Unfortunately, he not only succumbed to temptation but also contracted the HIV virus as a consequence.

    With his wife currently out of the country, he is at a loss on how to disclose the news to her.

    Filled with remorse, the married man seeks advice on how to navigate this distressing situation.

    Narrating details of the story, The Late Night Chat Show host on Hitz 103.9 FM, Tima Kumkum read this out…

    “I have been married for 4 years and my marriage has been an amazing one. We tried to have kids in the first few years but it wasn’t coming. We went through checkups and everything showed we were ok. So we just left our faith in God’s hands and trusted that he would give us in his own time. To our surprise, God bless us just last year November with a bouncy baby boy. My wife’s parent are in the state so she opted to go and give birth there. Due to that she took a long live and travelled around July las year as our baby was due in November. Tima, ever since we married, I haven’t looked at any other woman apart from my wife. I have made a conscious effort to stay faithful to her because my wife is just a good woman. We both work but I have never bought groceries for the house before.”

    “She would always buy groceries from the USA and make her mum ship to us as her contribution to our home and even bills Tima, she makes us split 50/50. There is a national service personal at my workplace who will always come to my workplace and ask me if I have eaten. I mean she started showing so much concern just when my wife left the country and I also played along. Tima before I knew it, we were so much into each other and since my wife wasn’t around, I started going out on dates and having date nights with her and one day I went to visit her at her place. Before I could say jack, we had done the thing. Tima I felt so bad. That was around August last year.”

    “Now it became as if were now serious but I told her there is no way I could marry her and she said she knows am married but she is in for the fun. So I did succumb and we had sex almost everyday except when she was maturating. Tima I became addicted to her because she could bring the craziness in me. Fast-forward,, just few days ago, I started feeling uneasy, and I saw some unusual rash on my arms so I took it to the hospital and some test was run. Only for the doctor to tell me I am HIV positive. Tima as I am sitting here, the only person I have slept with ever since my wife traveled is this national service lady.”

    “Now my wife is returning with our baby next week. How do I break such a news to her. As for the lady I am sure if I lay my eyes on her, I might end up in jail because she has caused me my life. Tima I cannot give this virus to my very good wife. I have regretted every action. I should have just stayed faithful to my wife. I am a church leader and a very respected youth leader. Now how will people see me should the news break. The doctor advised me to inform my wife so she can take precautions.”

    “But if I do tell her, I don’t know how she is gonna take it. I love my wife. I don’t wanna loose my marriage. Please what do I do? “

    Watch the video below as narrated by Tima Kumkum:


  • TB, malaria and HIV/AIDS cases on the rise amid locked-up medical supplies

    TB, malaria and HIV/AIDS cases on the rise amid locked-up medical supplies

    Executive Director of the Africa Center for Health Policy Research and Analysis, Dr. Thomas Anaba, has revealed that the delay in clearing medical supplies donated by the Global Fund has resulted in a significant increase in tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS cases.

    The donated supplies, including antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients and mosquito nets for pregnant women, have been held at the Tema Port since July 2023 due to import duties.

    As a consequence of the delays, the Global Fund has halted further shipments of essential medical supplies.

    Dr. Anaba expressed his concerns about a potential surge in tuberculosis, malaria, and AIDS cases compared to last year’s figures, emphasizing the urgent need to clear the medical supplies to prevent a widespread health crisis.

    “There is an increase in the cases of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS from last year’s figure, and the complications of people dying from AIDS have also increased. Women getting malaria during pregnancy have increased because of this.”

    Dr. Anaba proposed that Ghana should proactively communicate its need for medical supplies to the Global Fund in advance. Additionally, he suggested that the country should allocate budgetary resources for the clearance of these supplies to prevent future delays.

    “Ghana has the statistics of how many people get tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS every year and this can be planned with a top-up percentage of 10 percent and then we can budget for how much of these drugs that we need and then we contact Global Fund on how much they can give us ahead of time and then we budget for money to clear the drugs.”

  • Global Fund halts shipment of medical supplies over delays at Tema Port

    Global Fund halts shipment of medical supplies over delays at Tema Port

    The Global Fund has halted the shipment of critical medical supplies to Ghana, citing delays in clearing previous donations that are stuck at the Tema Port.

    This suspension includes urgently needed antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients.

    The Africa Center for Health Policy Research and Analysis (ACHPR&A) has expressed deep concern over the government’s failure to expedite the release of these donated supplies.

    In a JoyNews interview on Monday, April 8, Dr. Thomas Anaba, Executive Director of ACHPR&A, strongly criticized the government’s slow approach in addressing the issue of clearing vital health commodities. Dr. Anaba emphasized the urgent nature of the situation, noting that even a visit from a delegation of the Global Fund yielded no progress.

    The delays have also raised concerns within the Ghana AIDS Commission and a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) focusing on HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

    In response to the prolonged detention of essential medical supplies, the CSOs have announced plans for a protest scheduled for April 17.

    “A 12-member delegation from the Global Fund paid a working visit to this country to follow up on the locked-up commodities. Despite all their efforts, they did not make any headway and the commodities still remain uncleared at the ports.”

    “They have therefore indicated that Ghana risks losing all Global Fund Support if the government fails to act on the matter. To start with, they have already suspended all commodity shipments to the country until the ones at the ports are cleared.”

    “This development has dire consequences for the hundreds of thousands of our compatriots on free medications donated by Global Fund.”

  • Kwahu Easter festival is a hotspot for HIV transmission – AIDS Commission

    Kwahu Easter festival is a hotspot for HIV transmission – AIDS Commission

    The Ghana AIDS Commission has noted that festivities such as the Kwahu Easter festival serve as a hotspot for the transmission of HIV.

    The Commission issued a reminder to Easter revellers in Kwahu to protect themselves with condoms if they engage in sexual activities during the festivities.

    This advice is part of a broader campaign to reduce the spread of HIV.

    Dr. Steve Kyeremeh Atuahene, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, stated that as part of efforts to curb the spread of HIV, free condoms will be distributed, and free HIV testing will be available for anyone interested.

    “Events such as the Kwahu Easter festival is a hot spot for HIV transmission and so the commission collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism and we have since been running HIV programmes since Kwahu Easter every year.”

    The Director-General mentioned that the Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, provides services and support to individuals travelling to Kwahu for the Easter festivities.

    “So every year, we set up screening and condom distribution centres in all the three districts within the Kwahu enclave, and at these centres we provide counselling and testing for HIV and other diseases and we also give out free condoms so that those who have romance on their minds should also think of protection,” he said.

  • 783 people in Tema contracted HIV in 2023 – Health Directorate

    783 people in Tema contracted HIV in 2023 – Health Directorate


    In 2023, the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate (TMHD) documented 783 new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), marking an increase from the 603 cases recorded in 2022.

    Ms. Joana Anorkor Lartey, the Tuberculosis and HIV Coordinator of the Directorate, shared this information during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA). She noted that in 2023, there were 297 male and 486 female cases, compared to 263 male and 340 female cases in 2022.

    Of the 2023 HIV cases, 757 individuals were successfully linked to care within the same year. Ms. Lartey attributed the rise in HIV cases to the numerous free testing programs conducted by her team throughout the communities.

    These initiatives proved instrumental in identifying cases that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

    She urged the public to seize the opportunity of such screenings to ascertain their HIV status, adding that individuals could also request free self-test kits from various facilities for personal testing.

    Emphasizing that knowing one’s HIV status was not a death sentence but rather an avenue for early treatment, Ms. Lartey stressed the importance of prompt intervention for those testing positive.

    Regarding Tuberculosis (TB), Ms. Lartey disclosed that the metropolis recorded 154 cases in 2023, including 47 pediatric TB cases. Out of these, 129 were presumptive TB cases identified among Out-Patient Department (OPD) attendees, of which 47 were confirmed positive.

    Despite achieving many of its objectives for the year, such as community awareness campaigns and intensified case finding through screenings and home visits, the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate faced challenges. These included funding shortages for monitoring and supervision, staff motivation issues, and delayed report submissions.

    Ms. Lartey expressed gratitude to stakeholders such as the Ghana News Agency, Obonu FM, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority for their support in disseminating the TB/HIV message and conducting screenings.

  • Over 70% of Ghanaians less than 50 years discriminate against HIV patients

    Over 70% of Ghanaians less than 50 years discriminate against HIV patients

    A report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed that more than 70% of both males and females aged 15 to 49, who are aware of HIV, hold discriminatory attitudes towards those living with the virus.

    These attitudes include beliefs such as HIV-positive children should not attend school with HIV-negative children, or that they would avoid buying fresh vegetables from a shopkeeper living with HIV.

    The GSS released these findings on International Zero Discrimination Day, observed on 1st March 2024 under the theme “Save lives: Decriminalise”.

    The report also highlighted that nationally, nearly eight in every 10 females (78.4%) and seven in every 10 males (72.1%) aged 15 to 49, who are aware of HIV, exhibit discriminatory attitudes towards those living with the virus.

    “Nationally, almost eight in every 10 (78.4%) females and seven in every 10 (72.1%) males aged 15-49 who have heard about HIV have discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV. The percentage with discriminatory attitudes is higher in rural areas (85.5% for females and 78.1% for males) compared to urban (73.4% for females and 67.3% of males).”

    The report also indicated that the prevalence of discriminatory attitudes is higher in rural areas, with 85.5% of females and 78.1% of males aged 15 to 49 exhibiting such attitudes, compared to urban areas where 73.4% of females and 67.3% of males hold discriminatory views towards those living with HIV.

    “The percentage with discriminatory attitudes is higher in rural areas (85.5% for females and 78.1% for males) compared to urban (73.4% for females and 67.3% of males).”

    According to the GSS report, the Ahafo region has the highest percentage of individuals who discriminate against people living with HIV, at 87%. This is followed by the Savannah region at 86.8%, and the Oti region at 86.4%.

    “Among females aged 15 to 49 in eight regions – Ahafo (87.0%), Savannah (86.8%), Oti (86.4), North East (85.9%), Northern (85.7%), Upper West (83.8%), Western North (84.4%) and Upper East (80.1%) – over four in five have discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV.

    “In comparison, three regions – North East (85.2%), Northern (83.1%) and Oti (81.5%) – have more than four in five males aged 15-49 with discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV,” GSS’s stated in its report.

    The report highlighted that individuals with higher levels of education are less likely to exhibit discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV compared to those with no education.

    “The percentage of individuals with discriminatory attitudes who have no education is more than twice that of individuals with secondary education or more. Among females aged 15-49, discriminatory attitudes range from 91.5% for those with no education, decreasing through primary (89.3%), and secondary (78.9%) to more than secondary (44.8%).

    “Among males aged 15-49 with no education, 90.0% exhibit discriminatory attitudes, compared to 86.8% for those with primary education, 73.6% for secondary education, and 43.4% among those with secondary or more education.”

    International-Zero-Discrimination-Day-Press-Release-from-GSS_finalDownload
  • It’s difficult to identify a person living with HIV due to anti-retrovirals drugs – GHS

    It’s difficult to identify a person living with HIV due to anti-retrovirals drugs – GHS


    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.

  • I couldn’t tell people I have HIV because of stigma – Lady confesses

    I couldn’t tell people I have HIV because of stigma – Lady confesses

    A woman living with HIV/AIDS has disclosed engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners despite being aware of her positive status.

    Her reasoning for this risky behavior is linked to the profound grief she experienced after losing her husband and five children to the same disease.

    Despite admitting to feeling guilty about her actions, she explains that engaging in unprotected sex is her only means of making a living and could not deal with the stigma and rejection that comes with opening up about her status to people.

    The woman remains silent about her HIV/AIDS status due to the fear that her neighbors might gossip about her, potentially jeopardizing her source of income.

     “I’m scared that if I disclose my status to the men, they will sack me or quit the relationship with me. And if that happens, they will spread the news in the neighbourhood,” she is quoted as saying in a report by Joy News.

    On the other hand, Dr. Steve Kyeremeh Atuahene, the Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, has characterized her behavior as both perilous and unlawful. He clarified that individuals knowingly transmitting HIV can face legal consequences under Ghanaian law.

    “Some people who live with HIV and sleeping around with men or women is something that keeps coming to our attention and it’s not the best. They have the potential of spreading the virus knowingly and that is unacceptable.”

    “I would like to encourage all Ghanaians who know that they have lived with HIV and continue to have unprotected sex with other people to stop because it is wrong to do that and if anyone can prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is infected as a result of his or her relationship with that person, the law would deal with such a person.”

    In addition to stressing the value of HIV prevention and treatment, Dr. Atuahene advised anyone living with the virus to take protective measures for both themselves and other people.

    “The most important thing is that they should be on treatment and be virally suppressed and maintain their viral suppression and stop sleeping around,” he added.

    The most recent health demographic survey conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) indicates that Ghana is labeled as one of the countries facing a rapid increase in HIV infections.

    Out of the total 16,574 new HIV infections documented in Ghana during the 2022 national and sub-national HIV/AIDS estimates and projections, females accounted for 10,927 cases, while males contributed 5,647 cases.

    Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, the Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, stated that the country falls into this category due to a significant rise in new infections. He explained that the primary contributors to the virus’s spread are individuals involved in same-sex marriages, an activity deemed illegal in Ghana, hindering affected individuals from seeking treatment.

  • Man jailed for life for infecting wife’s niece with HIV

    Man jailed for life for infecting wife’s niece with HIV

    Richard Saviour was found guilty of sexually abusing his wife’s niece and giving her the HIV virus; the victim, who was 14 years old at the time of the incident, is not identified.

    During the trial, State Counsel Mr. Ola Azeez called three witnesses to support the prosecution’s case, and Saviour, the defendant, testified in self-defense.

    A High Court in Ikeja sentenced Saviour to life in prison.

    On Tuesday, January 30, Justice Oyindamola Ogala handed down her decision in the case, noting that the victim’s account was corroborated by the State Ministry of Youth and Social Welfare’s PW3 social worker and the prosecution’s witnesses, all of whom testified in a consistent and truthful manner.

    In her ruling, Justice Ogala concluded that the witnesses had successfully established the convict’s guilt for the crime of defilement.

    As quoted by Arise TV, the judge said: “The testimony before the court clearly depicts the ‘evil’ perpetrated on this young girl and how she was abused both mentally and physically by the defendant and his wife for years.

    “Revealing how she indeed ‘cried out’ for help and was betrayed by those who were supposed to help and support her.

    “It is imperative to state at this juncture that the actions of the principal of PW2’s school and the social worker (PW3) are commendable, as same eventually brought some succour and relief to PW2, who unfortunately has been permanently ‘scared’.

    “Having carefully considered the entirety of the facts before the court, it finds that in this instance, the prosecution has satisfactorily proved the one-count change the defendant is faced with.”

    The judge mentioned that after the victim was taken to the Mirabel Centre by the police, she underwent testing and was diagnosed with HIV. She was then relocated to Mary’s Home Orphanage and received care with the assistance of Positive Action for Treatment Access, a non-governmental organisation.

    Ogala stated that the accused was eager to disassociate himself from the accusation by refuting the charges. PW2 clearly recounted the events between her and the defendant, which the defendant contradicted.

  • Bono Region: HIV prevalence on the rise in urban centers – Health Directorate

    Bono Region: HIV prevalence on the rise in urban centers – Health Directorate

    The Bono Regional Health Directorate has raised alarms over the escalating prevalence of HIV infections in the urban centers of the region.

    According to the Directorate, specific areas such as Nkoranza South and Techiman Municipalities are grappling with a prevalence rate of approximately 3.8 percent, a figure surpassing the national average of 2.8 percent.

    The Regional Director of Health, Dr. Fred Adomako, conveyed the Directorate’s apprehension during an interview with Citi News.

    He shed light on the multifaceted approach his team is adopting to mitigate the spread of HIV in these areas.

    One primary focus is on expanding accessibility to HIV tests, ensuring that individuals are aware of their status. Upon receiving a positive diagnosis, the Directorate is promptly initiating medical interventions to render the virus undetectable.

    Dr. Adomako emphasized, “Once we achieve that, they are not able to transmit it.”

    The strategy extends to the grassroots level, intending to address the issue at the community sub-district level. Utilizing community information systems, collaborating with religious institutions like churches and mosques, and engaging with various community groups are integral components of their approach.

    As the Directorate delves into understanding the root causes of the surge in HIV infections, a comprehensive performance review is on the horizon. Dr. Adomako expressed the importance of effective communication during this review, aiming to disseminate crucial findings to the larger community.

    The interventions undertaken by the Bono Regional Health Directorate underscore a commitment to tackling the HIV epidemic on multiple fronts, integrating testing, treatment, and community-level engagement to curb the transmission of the virus and enhance public health outcomes.

  • 95-year-old Chinese Aids whistleblower passes away in exile

    95-year-old Chinese Aids whistleblower passes away in exile

    Gao Yaojie, a famous doctor who spoke out about the Aids outbreak in rural China, has passed away at the age of 95.

    Dr Gao died in New York from natural causes. She had been living in exile there since 2009, according to a friend who spoke with the BBC.

    She found out that businesses selling blood caused HIV to spread in rural areas.

    She was a leader in fighting against Aids in China and traveled around the country to help sick people, sometimes using her own money.

    She was born in Shandong province in 1927. Her family had to run away to the central Henan province during World War II.

    She was a doctor for women’s health and met her first Aids patient in Henan province in 1996.

    A Chinese activist who was sent away from his country feels sad about his old life.

    In the 1980s and 1990s, many people in rural areas like Henan would sell their blood. Farming communities didn’t have many job choices, so they often sold their blood to make money. The government sometimes supported this. However, because only a small number of people in rural China were found to have HIV, and most people didn’t know much about Aids, blood from HIV+ patients was also collected, which caused the disease to spread.

    At the time, Chinese officials believed that HIV was spread through sex or from a mother to her baby during pregnancy. Gao had a sudden realization when she found out that one of her patients had a history of receiving a blood transfusion and didn’t fit into either category.

    She is called “Grandma Gao” and she went to Henan villages to look at how many people have Aids. It is said that she visited over 100 villages affected by AIDS and met with over 1,000 families. She would often give food, clothes, and printed resources about AIDS to people, usually using her own money.

    In the beginning, Henan officials hid the fact that people were selling their blood, but later on they closed down the businesses in the mid-1990s. However,Gao continued to talk about how HIV is spreading in the country.

    “It is larger. ” It’s all across the country, in all places. I have personally seen everything. Selling blood is against the law. In the old days, it was open for everyone to see. “In 2010, she talked to the BBC and said it’s now underground. ”

    DrGao said that 10 million people in China have HIV, which is a lot more than the 740,000 people the government says have it. But official disagreed about this.

    Although she wasn’t the first Chinese doctor to talk about the AIDS epidemic, she was the one who made people in the country and around the world aware of the situation.

    would clarify it with. Gao could not get the Henan government to notice AIDS spreading from blood stations. Instead, she told a New York Times reporter. Professor Nathan at Columbia University assisted her in moving to New York. The Henan blood-sales Aids epidemic was in the news and it became a big problem. This made the Chinese government take action.

    This made more news outlets talk about Dr. Gao’s discoveries in the early 2000s. She got many awards from her own country and from other countries too.

    At first, the Chinese government was easy on her. CCTV, China’s main TV station, praised her in 2003 for being a person who influenced China. They said she had a lot of knowledge and good thinking that helped people feel less afraid and prejudiced. They also said she had a motherly love and gave a lot of herself to help people who were vulnerable.

    Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Dr. Gao is one of the bravest people she knows.

    But the Henan authorities started to feel uneasy with her complaints about government officials. She moved away from China in 2009 because the government was watching her and putting more and more pressure on her.

    She went to live in New York and stayed there until she passed away. Her husband Guo Mingjiu passed away in 2006. She has two daughters and a son who are still alive.

    Even though people admire Dr. Gao for being a doctor, she has no relationship with her children.

    Shiyu Lin wrote that Gao Yaojie’s oldest daughter said their mom helped others but made their family fall apart.

    “MsLin remembered when Grandma Gao told her that she was a good doctor, but not a good mother. ”

    Even though she was away from China for a long time, some Chinese people on the internet are sad about her death.

    She was an important person. “But nowadays, young people may not know about that history,” said someone on Weibo.

    “Our generation of people who work in news or read news know about her and remember her. ” Chinese journalist Li Weiao said on Weibo that the news reminded him of other Chinese doctors like Jiang Yanyong and Li Wenliang, who spoke out about the Sars outbreak and Covid pandemic.

  • 298 new HIV infections recorded in Ashaiman municipality in 2023 – Health Service Director

    298 new HIV infections recorded in Ashaiman municipality in 2023 – Health Service Director

    The Ashaiman Municipality has reported 298 new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections between January and October 2023.

    The Director of Health Services for the Ashaiman Municipality, Mrs. Patience Ami Mamattah, revealed that out of the 298 new infections, 116 were males, and 182 were females.

    Additionally, a total of 90 pregnant women tested HIV-positive during this period, with 86 successfully put on treatment.

    Mrs. Mamattah emphasized the importance of HIV awareness creation and screening at public gatherings to combat stigmatization and discrimination against individuals living with HIV.

    Mrs Mamattah “Someone living with HIV is just like you. Do not point fingers at persons living with HIV.”

    The Director of Health Services for the Ashaiman Municipality emphasized the importance of knowing one’s HIV status, highlighting that quality of life is assured with the availability of treatment for those testing positive for HIV.

    She urged pregnant women to willingly undergo testing and adhere to medications to prevent transmitting the virus to their unborn babies.

    Additionally, she encouraged the public to practice safe sex by following the ‘ABC’ approach—abstaining, being with one partner, or using condoms—to protect against HIV.

  • More than 100 test positive for HIV using self-testing kit

    More than 100 test positive for HIV using self-testing kit

    Over a hundred HIV-positive cases have been recorded since the distribution of self-testing kits in July 2023, according to Programme Manager of the National Aids Control Programme (NACP), Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo.

    He noted that the patronage of self-testing kits had been massive, with more than a hundred to two hundred thousand people using the test.

    The self-tests have identified a significant number of positive cases, allowing for early detection and intervention in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    “We are now collating data from our constituencies….we have picked not less than hundred positive cases, who would have been missed if the self-test kits were not available,” he added.

    He noted that the initiative aimed to increase HIV testing, encourage people to know their status, and address the challenge of delayed treatment.

    The self-testing initiative supports Ghana’s goal to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target by the end of 2025, which calls for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of diagnosed individuals to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on therapy to achieve viral suppression.

    At the National Launch of the HIV Self-Testing in Accra, Mr Kwaku Agyeman Manu, the Health Minister, said the availability of the kit was an effort in the quest to create a healthier nation, while bridging the gap in testing coverage among hard-to-reach populations.

    He said: “The initiative is receiving massive response and we are happy because it is achieving two things, bringing people into care who otherwise will not have come to the facility for testing as well as linking people to HIV care services for (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

    The Programme Manager expressed concern that approximately 80% of individuals who accepted self-testing had never undergone testing before, emphasizing the need for increased advocacy to achieve the first 95 in the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target. The self-testing initiative is part of efforts to create a healthier nation, enhance testing coverage, and address delayed treatment for individuals living with HIV.

    The Programme Manager expressed concern that approximately 80% of individuals who accepted self-testing had never undergone testing before, emphasizing the need for increased advocacy to achieve the first 95 in the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target. The self-testing initiative is part of efforts to create a healthier nation, enhance testing coverage, and address delayed treatment for individuals living with HIV.

    The Programme Manager advised the public to avoid stigma and to support individuals living with HIV, encouraging them to seek treatment openly. He also urged everyone to take advantage of the currently free initiative to know their HIV status for immediate care and support.

    “At this day and age no one should die from HIV because there is treatment, let us all create an enabling environment to support one another,” Dr Ayisi Addo said.

  • Over 23,000 people in Western Region infected with HIV – AIDS Commission

    Over 23,000 people in Western Region infected with HIV – AIDS Commission

    The Ghana AIDS Commission’s Western Regional Office has reported an estimated 23,904 individuals living with HIV in the region.

    The Western Regional Technical Coordinator of the Commission, Mr. Dramani Yakubu, revealed this information in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi.

    He further shared that the region recorded approximately 1,101 new HIV infections last year, resulting in a prevalence rate of 1.63 percent.

    “This is a major concern for the Commission and its partners, because it means out of every 100 people in the region, about two of them are living with HIV,” he said. 

    Mr. Yakubu expressed concern about the rising trend of HIV infections and cautioned the public against engaging in activities that increase the risk of contracting the virus. He emphasized the importance of taking preventive measures to curb the spread of HIV.

    Encouraging public awareness and proactive health practices, Mr. Yakubu urged individuals to utilize self-testing initiatives and voluntarily undergo HIV testing. Knowing one’s status promptly enables a swift response and access to necessary healthcare services, contributing to effective HIV management and prevention.

    He said, “It is important to test to know our HIV status and that of our partners and if your test is positive, you ought to visit a health facility to start treatment immediately because taking medication consistently reduces the amount of virus in one’s body, promotes good health and prolongs their lifespan.” 

    Mr. Yakubu also urged the public to refrain from stigmatizing individuals living with the virus, emphasizing that HIV-related stigma hinders voluntary testing, treatment, care, and support for those affected.

    In preparation for this year’s World AIDS Day, Mr. Yakubu disclosed that his office, in collaboration with other stakeholders, had distributed condoms, HIV test kits, educational fliers, and leaflets to the public. The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Let Communities Lead,” underscores the importance of community involvement in the fight against HIV.

    Mr. Yakubu explained that communities play a vital role in connecting individuals with person-centered public health services, fostering trust, overseeing policy and service implementation, and holding service providers accountable.

    By actively engaging communities, he believes that HIV can cease to be a public health threat.

  • Over 72,000 people in Ashanti Region infected with HIV – AIDS Commission

    Over 72,000 people in Ashanti Region infected with HIV – AIDS Commission

    A 2022 report from the Ghana Aids Commission indicates that an estimated 72,429 individuals in the Ashanti Region are living with Human Immune Virus (HIV).

    Out of this population, only 26,006 are presently receiving Anti-Retroviral (ARV) medication at health facilities. This leaves a significant gap of 46,421 individuals who either do not know their HIV status or have defaulted on ARV treatment.

    Deputy Ashanti Regional Focal Person for HIV/AIDS, Mr. Dennis Bandoh, revealed to the media that the region has experienced an increase in new cases, recording 4,618 additional cases by the end of the third quarter of 2023. This represents a 2.1 percent rise compared to the previous year.

    HIV testing in the region is categorized into two groups: Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT), primarily conducted on pregnant women, and HIV testing services for non-pregnant women and men.

    Mr. Bandoh provided further details, stating that 62,835 pregnant women were tested under the PMTCT category, with 681 testing positive. Additionally, 3,937 individuals tested positive out of 51,940 screened under the HIV testing services category.

    “The key challenge we are facing is getting men to test voluntarily because men are mostly hesitant to check their status,” he noted.

    Mr. Dennis Bandoh highlighted a common misconception among some males, noting that they believe if their pregnant wives or partners test negative for HIV, then they are automatically negative as well. He emphasized the importance of individual testing, as there have been instances where sexual partners had different HIV statuses without being aware.

    Mr. Bandoh stressed the significance of early initiation of treatment, explaining that starting treatment promptly can prevent the progression of the virus to the AIDS stage. He urged individuals who test positive for HIV to seek treatment at health facilities convenient for them.

    In terms of high-risk groups, Mr. Bandoh referred to literature and available data indicating that men having sex with men, female commercial sex workers, long-distance drivers, and uniformed men were among those most at risk for HIV.

    “Most men in the gay community have sex with their partners without protection, thereby exposing them to the virus. Men in uniform and long distance drivers by the nature of their work are often deployed to work in places far from home and also in the night, exposing them to the temptation of having multiple partners and unprotected sex”, Mr Bandoh noted. 

    Mr. Dennis Bandoh discussed innovative strategies implemented by the Ghana Health Service to boost HIV testing rates. One such approach is index testing, wherein individuals who have tested positive for HIV are encouraged to recommend and bring in their close family members and sexual partners for testing.

    Additionally, to further facilitate testing accessibility, HIV self-test kits have been made readily available in all health facilities.

  • Over 350,000 lives at risk over shortage of HIV anti-retroviral drugs – Ghana AIDS Commission

    Over 350,000 lives at risk over shortage of HIV anti-retroviral drugs – Ghana AIDS Commission

    Director General of the Ghana Aids Commission, Dr Stephen Kyeremeh Atuahene, has noted that the lives of 354,927 Ghanaians are at risk owing to the shortage of anti-retroviral medication, specifically the Abacavir Lamivudine regimen, which is vital for Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) nationwide.

    A total of 354,927 people live with HIV AIDS. And out of this figure, 115,235 are males while 239,692 are females.

    The Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+ Ghana) has reported that their members are encountering difficulties in accessing this crucial medication at hospitals throughout the country.

    This report has been confirmed by the Ghana Aids Commission, who have now called on the Ghana Health Service to take immediate steps to address the problem.

    The drugs needed are said to be locked up at the port. Hence Dr Stephen Kyeremeh Atuahene, has entreated the Ghana Health Service to prioritize the HIV commodities to get them released immediately by making the necessary payment.

    “Because there are several containers of various health commodities at the port which are in the same category of non-clearance. So it is very necessary,” he said.

    He warned that “any break in supply of anti-retroviral medicines to people living with HIV is a serious risk to their lives and we should not do anything to undermine their lives.”

    Meanwhile, President of the Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV and AIDS, NAP+, Elsie Ayeh, says her members are currently unable to take any effective step as the matter is beyond them.

    She registered her displeasure over the taxes placed on the drugs. According to her, it is unacceptable as the country receives these drugs as donation.

    AU Tax, ECOWAS Tax and COVID-19 Tax have been placed on the drugs currently at the port, she said.

    “Our members can’t do anything. We are calling on the government to remove that tax waiver. We know that the medication is free. Free in the sense that they were donated. Why should our country tax those medications that have come in free. That is what we don’t understand,” she said.

    She continued: “Is that tax more important than the number of PLHIV who are virally suppressed at this time who have to continue taking their medication so that we remain healthy, we don’t transmit HIV and we also enable our country to reach that target that we are all heading towards. That is AIDS free population by 2030. We don’t want the new infections coming on board.”

  • HIV patients experiencing shortage of anti-retroviral medication – Group

    HIV patients experiencing shortage of anti-retroviral medication – Group

    Ghana is currently facing a scarcity of anti-retroviral medication, specifically the Abacavir Lamivudine regimen, which is vital for Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) nationwide.

    The Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+ Ghana) has reported that their members are encountering difficulties in accessing this crucial medication at hospitals throughout the country.

    The Abacavir Lamivudine regimen is one of the several drug regimens essential for PLHIV to maintain viral suppression, ensure their well-being, and enable Ghana to reduce new HIV infections, ultimately striving to end AIDS by 2030.

    “Our members across Ghana reported a shortage of the adult dose of ABACAVIR LAMIVUDINE in August this year,” the group said.

    In a statement highlighting the medication shortage issue, NAP+ Ghana disclosed that the anti-retroviral medicines, which arrived in Ghana in July, are currently held at the country’s port, pending the approval of a tax waiver by the finance ministry.

    “The anti-retroviral medication had been bought with donor funds and at no cost to the Country and should not attract tax. Meanwhile, they are being held until AU TAX, ECOWAS TAX and COVID-19 TAX are paid before we can access our medication,” NAP+ Ghana said.

    As a result of the shortage of Abacavir/Lamivudine for adults, some Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) are being placed on the Tenofovir Lamivudine Dolutegravir (TLD) regimen instead.

    “Of utmost concern is that some persons who are put on Abacavir/Lamivudine which is stuck at the harbour, are persons who had kidney and liver problems while on the TLD regimen. One of our members has not been on medication for 4 months due to a shortage of Abacavir/Lamivudine in her facility.

    “Our investigations revealed that in some facilities, prescribers give Abacavir/Lamivudine medication meant for children to adults. Therefore, instead of one tablet a day, they have to take five tablets in the morning and five tablets in the evening, of the children’s dose,” the group said.

    NAP+ Ghana issued a warning that if the medications continue to be delayed at the port, there is a risk of the disease developing resistance to the anti-retroviral drugs, and individuals on the Tenofovir Lamivudine Dolutegravir (TLD) regimen may experience severe liver and kidney problems.

    It added that some members have gone off their medications totally and this “can spell doom.”

    “We entreat all radio and television stations; traditional media and stakeholders to join the Network of Persons Living with HIV to call on the government for an immediate waiver of all taxes and release of medications at the harbor,” the group appealed.

  • More than 40,000 Ghanaian youth infected with HIV – AIDS Commission

    More than 40,000 Ghanaian youth infected with HIV – AIDS Commission

    Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kyeremeh Atuahene, has indicated that the youth comprise 11 per cent of the cumulative figure of 355,000 Ghanaians living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

    Per the data provided by Dr Kyeremeh Atuahene at the Joy Christian Forum held last week, more than 40, 000 youth aged 15 to 24 years are infected with the virus.

    The health expert attributed the number of HIV cases recorded to the surge in immoral activities being undertaken by members of the general public.

    This, Dr Atuahene said, has made it difficult for the Commission’s aim of “reducing infections by 17% every year.”

    He elaborated on the higher HIV infection rates among women, attributing it to their genital anatomy. He pointed out that the vagina’s structure and its delicate lining make women more vulnerable to HIV infection because it serves as a receptor.

    Additionally, Dr. Atuahene highlighted that individuals with untreated sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) face an elevated risk of contracting HIV, noting that between 10 and 13 percent of people diagnosed with STIs have HIV.

    “If you have chlamydia, chancroid, or any ulcerative infections then you become even more vulnerable. When you sleep with anybody, because you have some ulcers down there, you’re most likely to get infected,” he said.

    Dr Atuahene therefore entreated the youth to do away with immoral behaviors that are most likely to endanger their lives.

    Despite the challenge faced, the Ghana AIDS Commission managed to see a reduction in infections by 2 per cent last year.

    Meanwhile, there is the likelihood of a mass spread of the Human Immune Virus (HIV) in the country, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission, as over 100,000 individuals are oblivious to contracting the virus.

    “More than 28% of people living with HIV still do not know their HIV status because they have not tested. That represents about 100,000 people. They are spreading it unknowingly and that is not the best,” Dr Atuahene told the media.

    According to him, the looming mass spread can be curtailed should citizens inculcate the habit of testing for HIV/AIDS frequently.

    “If you wait till you get AIDS before you go to the hospital, it will take a much longer time for you to recover in terms of boosting your immune system for it to regenerate and support your body, it takes a longer time,” he added.

    The Ghana AIDS Commission says it has mounted a search for the individuals who may be spreading the virus without being aware of it.

  • Persons fond of injecting drugs are prone to HIV – Research

    Persons fond of injecting drugs are prone to HIV – Research

    Dean of the University of Ghana’s School of Public Health, Prof. Kwasi Torpey, has raised concerns about the risk of HIV and blood-borne infections among individuals who inject drugs in Ghana.

    In research conducted by Prof. Torpey’s team across four regions in 2022, it was found that HIV prevalence among drug users who also inject is 2.5%.

    Notably, the prevalence was higher among women who injected drugs, with 12.7% among those who were solely drug users and 17.7% among those also involved in sex work.

    “We found HIV prevalence of 2.5 percent among persons who used and injected drugs. Unfortunately, the prevalence was 12.7 percent among women who injected drugs and 17.7 percent among women who injected drugs and were also sex workers.

    “These results point to a simple fact that the country is at the cusp of an outbreak of HIV and blood-borne infections among persons who inject drugs,” he said.

    During an inaugural lecture titled “Ending HIV/AIDS in Africa: Reflections from the clinic, field, and classroom,” organized by the University of Ghana, Prof. Torpey highlighted his findings.

    He emphasized that these results suggest a looming risk of an HIV and blood-borne infection outbreak among individuals who inject drugs.

    Furthermore, Prof. Torpey stressed the vital need for intentional efforts to improve health service access for all populations, asserting that without such efforts, ending the AIDS epidemic in Africa would remain a distant goal.

    Citing UNAIDS data, he highlighted the severity of the ongoing epidemic, with a life being lost to HIV every minute, 650,000 annual HIV-related deaths, and 4,000 new infections occurring daily.

    The inaugural lecture was attended by various dignitaries, including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, officials from the Ghana Health Service, the Bank of Ghana, and representatives from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and USAID, as well as local health commissions and ministries.

  • Be interested in your partner’s HIV status to keep you safe – AIDS Commission advices

    Be interested in your partner’s HIV status to keep you safe – AIDS Commission advices

    The Ghana AIDS Commission has initiated an assertive campaign to combat the rise of new HIV infections in the country.

    The Commission is particularly focused on individuals who engage in sexual activity with partners or multiple partners for financial gain, urging them to be aware of their own HIV status as well as that of their clients before engaging in sexual encounters.

    Ghana has set ambitious goals, aiming to reduce new HIV infections in the general population by 85% by the year 2025 and ultimately eliminate the virus entirely by 2030.

    Dr. Steve Kyeremeh Atuahene, the Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, has provided guidance on steps that individuals can take to help curb the spread of HIV.

    “If you want to reduce the risk you first reduce the number of sex partners and if that is too difficult for you then you have to protect yourself at all times because you do not know what your client is capable of giving you.”

    “You also have to test to know your HIV status because for you to effectively protect yourself against HIV you should know whether you have it or not, and do well to know the HIV status of your partner.”

    “Now, we have self-test kits which are free, so you can have as many as you want and encourage your partners to test if you’re a sex worker,” he said.

    He emphasized the importance of reducing the number of sexual partners to lower the risk of transmission. If that proves challenging, individuals are advised to consistently protect themselves, as they may not know the potential risks posed by their partners.

    Furthermore, Dr. Atuahene stressed the significance of getting tested for HIV to be informed about one’s own status and that of their partner. He highlighted the availability of free self-test kits, encouraging individuals, particularly sex workers, to utilize them and encourage their partners to do the same.

    Dr. Atuahene also cautioned against the dangers of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) apart from HIV, underscoring the importance of staying safe and practicing protection.

    Recently, the Ghana AIDS Commission disclosed a concerning statistic: over 100,000 individuals in Ghana are carriers of HIV, and many of them are unaware of their status, contributing to the further spread of the virus.

    Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene emphasized the Commission’s proactive approach, launching an intensive search for these carriers to provide them with necessary treatment.

    The campaign to promote HIV self-testing is a direct response to this challenge. Dr. Atuahene highlighted the Commission’s commitment to reaching underserved populations and making testing services more accessible.

    He explained, “There are individuals who lack access to HIV services, and some may find it difficult to access these services. By bringing the services to their doorstep, we can empower those who may be hesitant to know their status to begin the process of testing and determine whether they are reactive or not.”

  • Ghana AIDS Commission bemoans lack of funds to combat HIV

    Ghana AIDS Commission bemoans lack of funds to combat HIV

    The Ghana AIDS Commission is actively seeking additional funding to enhance its endeavors in conducting amplified campaigns, advocacy efforts, and public education initiatives aimed at diminishing the incidence of new HIV infections across the nation.

    Director-General of the Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, emphasized the organization’s duty to launch precisely targeted communication strategies, particularly at the grassroots level, to impart comprehensive awareness.

    He conveyed the Commission’s intention to propagate its campaigns through diverse channels, placing an emphasis on traditional media platforms. However, he acknowledged that the associated costs have escalated to an impracticable extent.

    Dr. Atuahene revealed that the Commission currently possesses outstanding debts to multiple media outlets for their participation in running advertising campaigns. This situation has led to a scenario where the Commission faces challenges in settling these financial commitments.

    “We engage in advertising across different platforms, including Multimedia, Media General, Omni Media, and others. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a position where we cannot honor our financial commitments, and we owe them substantial amounts of money,” Mr. Atuahene revealed.

    He underscored the imperative need for increased resources to proficiently execute their campaigns and communication strategies.

    While recognizing the Commission’s adeptness in generating ideas, he emphasized that funding is pivotal to actualize these endeavors. He clarified that the purpose behind raising these concerns was to elucidate the obstacles they confront, rather than solely seeking financial assistance.

    “We are not merely seeking money, but rather, we are identifying the obstacles we encounter as a Commission. We share this information in the hope that individuals with a positive outlook will extend a helping hand. Those who overlook these issues or deny their seriousness will eventually realize the truth,” he explained.

    Dr. Atuahene underscored that Ghana possesses the necessary tools to combat HIV/AIDS effectively, but it’s imperative to secure the resources required to implement the mechanisms that will support these efforts.

  • Ghana AIDS Commission denies anti-retroviral drug rationing

    Ghana AIDS Commission denies anti-retroviral drug rationing

    The Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, has refuted claims of anti-retroviral drug shortages and subsequent rationing.

    He stated that there are ample supplies to cater to those affected by the virus until the next year.

    Dr. Atuahene addressed the issue during an interview with the media he said, “there is no rationing. We have enough anti-retroviral medications to treat the whole HIV population. We have enough medications to last a long time, at least until the end of the year and even beyond.”

    He clarified that while donor partners assist with drugs for around 125,000 individuals, Ghana must secure funding for the remaining 250,000 people living with the virus.

    The commission intends to mobilize resources to purchase additional retroviral drugs.

    Dr. Atuahene emphasized the need for alternative funding sources to ensure a steady supply of medications from next year onwards.

    He noted that if the required pharmaceuticals are not obtained, rationing might become necessary in the future.

    However, he reassured that there is currently no rationing in place and the commission is actively working to prevent any potential issues.

    “If we don’t have enough by next year, we may have to consider rationing.” But, for the time being, we do not have rationing. Those who rely on narcotics would perish without them, which we must prevent.”

  • AIDS Commission rationing anti-retroviral drugs due to financial constraint

    AIDS Commission rationing anti-retroviral drugs due to financial constraint

    Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, has revealed that financial constraints have forced the commission to ration anti-retroviral drugs for people living with HIV.

    Due to lack of government support, medicines are now distributed between two to three months instead of the allocated six months.

    The commission struggles to meet the demand for drugs, leading to the need for rationing. Dr. Atuahene urged individuals and groups to donate to the AIDS fund to bridge the funding gap, which currently stands at 66%.

    “We have a huge funding gap, if we run short of medicine, it’s like people who are on oxygen and the obvious end is death when oxygen is taken off. 

    Currently, there’s no specific budgetary allocation for HIV programmes.

    “Once in a while, we get something from National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The funding gap is 66%. We need Ghanaians to support us by dialling USSD *989# to donate to support the AIDS fund”.

    Ghana recorded a total of 16,574 new cases of HIV infections in 2022, compared to 18,036 infections in 2021.

    The new infections were spread across all age groups, with the majority among people aged 15 and above.

  • 9,359 lives lost to AIDS in 2022 – Report reveals

    9,359 lives lost to AIDS in 2022 – Report reveals

    New data from the Ghana AIDS Commission reveals that a total of 16,574 new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections were reported in 2022.

    The number represents a decline from the total of 18,036 infections documented in 2021.

    People of all age groups were impacted by the 16,574 new HIV infections.

    Infections were recorded in 13,706 people aged 15 and up; 2,180 children aged zero to 14 years; 645 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years; and 739 young people aged 15 to 24 years.

    The total number of AIDS-related deaths recorded for people of all ages was 9,359, the data added.

    Adults (15+ years) were 7,179; children (0-14 years) 2,180; adolescents (10–19 years) 645 and young people (15–24 years) were 739.

    At the moment, the total HIV in Ghana stands at 354,927 with persons aged 15 and above leading the chart with 330,215 infections.

  • Man defiles 14-year-old, infects her with HIV, TB

    Man defiles 14-year-old, infects her with HIV, TB

    A man in his 40s, believed to be working as a contractor on the Gushegu town roads, is currently in police custody in Yendi, following allegations of defiling a 14-year-old girl.

    The suspect reportedly threatened the young girl, coercing her into silence by warning her of dire consequences if she disclosed the incident to anyone.

    In an interview with the media the victim’s father, Awuni Tia, revealed that after the incident, the girl’s health began to deteriorate.

    “After they bailed him out about six months now, no one cares and we realised that this boy is going to cheat us because when we went to Tamale again after going through the report, first was tuberculosis second was HIV. But they put her on drugs and the stomach was the most complicated thing and they could not identify the problem,” he stated.

    It was discovered later that she had contracted tuberculosis and HIV as a result of the traumatic experience.

    The family was devastated by the news and sought medical attention, but the girl’s condition proved challenging to diagnose.

    Despite reporting the incident to the police and the subsequent arrest of the suspect, he was later bailed out, which left the family feeling neglected and uncertain about the pursuit of justice.

    The young girl’s health struggles persisted, and the family decided to take matters into their own hands, seeking the truth and accountability for the alleged crime.

    The victim’s father stated, “So when we approached him, he also accepted that it was a mistake. We reported to the police station, and they arrested the boy and finally, they bailed him out.”

    The incident has caused immense distress to the victim and her family, highlighting the urgency of addressing such cases and ensuring that justice is served. Authorities are now investigating the matter to ensure a fair and just resolution for the young girl.

    “There was a day the girl was having a problem and we didn’t know what the problem was which was she was bleeding every day. So we got to find out that she is seriously sick so when we sent her to the hospital, they did a lot of tests and they could not find anything.”

    “So we came home after a week and she got malaria again for two months. So from that we realised that she was defiled by a man called Alhassan Kambala. So when we approached him, he also accepted that it was a mistake. We reported to the police station and they arrested the boy and finally, they bailed him out,” Mr Tia indicated.

  • At least 46 Ghanaians contract HIV everyday

    At least 46 Ghanaians contract HIV everyday

    Forty-six Ghanaians contract the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on a daily basis, according to a report by the Ghana Aids Commission.

    Per reports, 62 new infections were recorded daily five years ago and 52 new infections recorded daily three years ago. 

    The worrying rate of HIV in Ghana was highlighted during the launch of the National HIV Self Testing Programme on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

    Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Sackey, indicated that the estimated national adult HIV prevalence stands at 1.66 percent.

    Per information from the Ghana Aids Commission, a  total of 354,927 individuals are living with the virus. The total figure comprises 330,250 adults and 24,712 children.

    It is reported Greater Accra Region is a major hotspot for HIV contraction in the country and according to Madam Elizabeth Sackey, Accra Metropolis has the highest number of people living with HIV with a total of 8,112. 

    Engaging the media, Director General of the Ghana Aids Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, mentioned that HIV contraction has a positive correlation with urbanization. 

    Urbanization refers to the process by which an increasing proportion of a country’s population moves from rural areas to cities and towns, leading to the growth and expansion of urban areas.

    “The large urban centres have a higher concentration of HIV population in this country,” Dr Atuahene noted.

    Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi, he said, are among the urban centers. Their HIV prevalence is much higher than the national figure, he added.

    He therefore entreated the leadership of the country “to look at urbanization.”

    “Despite advancements in prevention, treatment and care, the high number of new infections hampers the progress we have made thus far. This situation calls for urgent action to prevent further transmission, provide treatment for those living with HIV and ensure equitable access to healthcare services,” Dr Atuahene said.

    In his submission, the Director General of the Ghana Aids Commission bemoaned the lack of financial resources to tackle HIV head on.

    According to Dr Atuahene, the Commission currently has just one-third of the money it requires to finance the HIV response.

    “The education, counseling and outreach are very essential. We don’t have the money to do all that,” he noted.

    It is the objective of the Ghana Aids Commission to end Aids by 2030 and to accomplish this, Dr Atuahene says it begins with diagnosing 95 percent of all persons living with HIV in Ghana and putting all on antiretroviral treatment, as well as achieving viral suppression for the 95 per cent of those treated.

    To support this goal, the introduction of the self-testing HIV kit is pivotal. 

    About 70,000 of the self-testing kits have been distributed across the regions targeting the youth, according to Programme Manager, National AIDS/STI Control Programme, Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo.

    The HIV self-testing kit allows the average Ghanaian to test themselves for HIV in the comfort of their confidential spaces, without the presence and direct supervision of any health worker.

    The testing delivers results within 10 minutes. The test is done either using their blood sample or saliva, better known medically as “oral mucosal transudate”.