Ghana has officially launched a new HIV self-testing (HIVST) program at the under the theme “Test Yourself: Know Your Status” which is being coordinated by the National Planning Committee (NPC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
The launch of the HIV Self-Testing Kits seeks to make it easier and more convenient for people to get tested for HIV.
Speaking at the launch of the Kits, the Minister for Health Kwaku Ahyemang-Manau indicated that there are more than 350,000 persons living with HIV and only about 71% of them are aware of their status.
The remaining 29%, he mentioned pose a major concern as they may, unknowingly, be spreading the virus.
According to him, one of the major obstacles that impede HIV testing is fear which is usually occasioned by the high levels of stigmatization towards persons who test positive for HIV.
He said, it is sometimes difficult for individuals to voluntarily walk into health facilities to get tested.
According to the Minister, the availability of HIV Self-Testing Kits (HIVSTK) is a significant step forward in our quest to create a healthier nation and by removing barriers to access, “we are empowering our citizens with the knowledge they need to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the wider community.”
Kwaku Ahyemang-Manau also averred that in order to bridge the gap in the testing coverage among hard-to-reach populations, Ghana adopted HIV self-testing (HIVST) in its Consolidated Guidelines for HIV care.
The HIVST, he noted, is one of the newest innovations in the range of strategies aimed at encouraging persons to know their HIV status.
“Currently, HIV Testing Coverage (1,971,381) out of a target of 1,900,620 were tested for HIV in 2022, representing 104% target coverage, a marginal rise from the 103% achieved in 2021 (NACP, 2022). The lack of knowledge hinders our ability to provide timely treatment, support, and care to those who need it most. The availability of HIV Testing Kits addresses this critical gap in our healthcare system.”
He also mentioned that testing is the foundation upon which our entire response to HIV/AIDS is built and the gateway to prevention, treatment, care, and support services.
He said, when individuals know their status, they can make informed decisions about their health and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their partners.
He said: “It is through increased testing that we can effectively identify new infections and link individuals to the comprehensive care they require. It ensures that every Ghanaian, regardless of their socio-economic status, can access confidential and accurate testing services. By doing so, we strengthen our collective efforts to curb the spread of HIV and reduce the stigma surrounding the virus. However, let us not view HIV testing as an end, rather, it is a means to an end-an opportunity for us to create a society that supports and cares for those living with HIV/AIDS. It is our duty to ensure that individuals who test positive are provided with the necessary treatment, support, and counseling services for a healthy and fulfilling lives.”
The Minister pointed out that, the Ministry of Health in consultation with its relevant stakeholders has also developed a National HIV and AIDS and STI Policy that provides the framework for the development of HIV, AIDS, and STI policies and programs in Ghana. It seeks to create a favourable environment for all aspects of HIV, AIDS and STI prevention, care, and support.
Ghana AIDS Commission
On his part, Director General Of Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene noted that, testing is the foundation upon which effective HIV prevention and that care programmes are anchored.
He said: “As managers of the national HIV response, we never ignore this fact but continue to scale up HIV testing year on year. The country adopted differentiated HIV testing approaches with emphasis on index.”
HIV self-testing he said, empowers individuals to discreetly and conveniently test themselves in the privacy of their homes or other preferred locations.
“We must prioritise the effective targeting of these groups of individuals who have heightened risk. Of contracting HIV and due to various social, economic and structural factors, have limited access to healthcare services.”
He pointed out that coverage of HIV testing, Anti-retroviral therapy and prevention of mother to child transmission is increasing and they are seeing the positive impact.
“HIVST is similar to how a malaria or pregnancy test can be done at home and the results known within minutes. With oral HIVST (for instance using OraQuick), it involves the swabbing of the upper and lower gums with an oral swab test stick and dipping the stick in a test tube solution and waiting for 20 minutes to read the results.”
He explained that, “the SH:24 used a virtual platform and courier service to distribute the HIVST kits in Accra, mainly, whereas GHANET undertook community-based distribution in 50 districts across the country. Preliminary results from the pilot show that, contrary to initial concerns, HIVST is seen by many Ghanaians as a very convenient way of testing to know one’s status”.
Already, some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa including South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Nigeria, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroun, among others, have rolled out HIVST initiatives.
