By: Kekeli. K Blamey
Ghana has seen a concerning surge in HIV infections, with 34,000 new cases recorded in the first nine months of 2024, according to the Ghana Health Service’s National HIV and AIDS Control Programme.
This alarming figure represents individuals who may have been living with the virus for five to ten years but are only now being diagnosed.
The President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, revealed that in 2023, the estimated number of new infections was around 17,740.
However, the 34,000 cases reported are considered newly diagnosed, highlighting a significant gap in detection and treatment.
Several factors are contributing to the alarming increase in HIV infections in Ghana.
These include a lack of knowledge among young people, complacency due to the effectiveness of antiretroviral medications, socioeconomic factors, and low contraceptive use.
Dr. Stephen Ayisi-Addo, Programme Manager of the Ghana National AIDS Control Programme, emphasizes the link between low contraceptive use and high HIV/AIDS rates.
To combat the spread of HIV in Ghana, several strategies have been proposed. These include improved education, increased contraceptive use, and community-based initiatives.
By addressing these factors and implementing effective prevention strategies, Ghana can work towards reducing the spread of HIV and improving the lives of those affected.
The impact of HIV on Ghana’s economy is also significant, with the government spending over $500 million on HIV/AIDS-related expenditures.
The Ghana AIDS Commission reports that about 350,000 people are living with HIV in Ghana, with 71% knowing their status and 99% of those diagnosed receiving sustained antiretroviral therapy.
