World AIDS Day 2024 was commemorated with a significant health walk and rally organized by the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET).
The event, which began at the iconic Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Interchange and ended at Osekan Park, brought together over 2,000 participants, including political leaders, civil society groups, and health advocates.
With a record 34,000 new HIV infections in the first nine months of 2024, the rally called for urgent action to reverse the alarming trends. Representatives from major political parties—including the NPP, NDC, CPP, and LPG—pledged their commitment to addressing HIV/AIDS through policy interventions and increased resource allocation.
Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, President of GHANET, painted a concerning picture of the HIV/AIDS situation in Ghana.
He attributed the surge in infections to complacency, stigma, and denial among many Ghanaians.
“The symptoms we used to associate with HIV—weight loss and severe skin rashes—are now less visible, thanks to improved treatment options. Unfortunately, this has made people underestimate the disease,” Ortsin said.
“Complacency is growing because of the availability of treatment, but stigma and misinformation still prevent many from seeking care.”
Ortsin highlighted the denial many people face after testing positive. “Some individuals prefer prayer camps or herbal remedies over proven antiretroviral therapy (ART). This not only worsens their health but also increases the risk of spreading the virus,” he added.
Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin called on the government to support the National HIV and AIDS Fund.
In 2023, 12,500 people died from HIV/AIDS, while 35,000 new cases were reported between January and September 2024. These numbers underscore the need for continued awareness and support.
Mr Ortsin emphasized that the National HIV and AIDS Fund is currently empty, relying on support from the Global Fund. However, with the Global Fund’s eventual withdrawal, Ghana’s HIV/AIDS response will be severely impacted.
GHANET is urging the government to support the National HIV and AIDS Fund, ensuring the continued provision of life-saving medications and prevention activities. This support is crucial in achieving the 2030 global targets to eliminate HIV and AIDS in Ghana.
Dr Patrick Kumah Aboagye
In a speech read on his behalf, Dr Patrick Kumah Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), emphasized the need for an effective policy shift to benefit millions of Ghanaians. Dr Aboagye stressed that prompt import clearance of donor-financed commodities is crucial in saving lives and improving health outcomes.
The Director General noted that the absence of prompt tax waivers on donated health commodities undermines the purpose of these contributions. He called on all political parties to support this measure, ensuring donated resources reach those in need without delay.
Dr Aboagye also highlighted the need for expedited clearance of HIV commodities from ports, citing the disruption of essential services and stockouts. Streamlining clearance processes would prevent these issues and ensure timely access to lifesaving treatments.
Ghana AIDS Commission
Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, speaking at the rally grounds emphasized the need for collective action to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ghana.
According to Dr. Atuahene, over 98% of Ghanaians are HIV-negative, and the Commission’s focus is to keep this majority negative while ensuring that those living with HIV receive free life-saving prevention, treatment, and care services.
Dr. Atuahene stressed that HIV is not an airborne disease and that contraction requires deliberate actions.
He emphasized that unprotected sex is the primary mode of transmission, accounting for the majority of new infections.
The Ghana AIDS Commission is working to increase awareness and education about HIV/AIDS, particularly among high-risk groups. The Commission’s efforts include providing free HIV testing and treatment services, as well as promoting condom use and safe sex practices.
Ghana has yet to achieve the global 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS to end HIV by 2030. These targets aim for: 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed receiving sustained treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.
He revealed that Ghana is falling behind.
Only 65% of people living with HIV know their status, leaving over 100,000 individuals undiagnosed.
Of those diagnosed, just 69% are on treatment, with many dropping out due to stigma or denial.
Encouragingly, 89% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression, meaning they cannot transmit the virus.
“Achieving viral suppression is crucial,” Ortsin explained. “It not only allows people to live healthy lives but also ensures they cannot pass the virus to others. This is why the 95-95-95 targets are so important.”
Innovative Approaches: The Role of Self-Testing
Self-testing has emerged as a game-changer in HIV detection. GHANET has distributed self-testing kits through community networks, allowing individuals to check their status privately.
“When we distribute the kits, we collect phone numbers and follow up to understand their experiences. While we don’t ask for test results, many voluntarily share them,” Ortsin said. This method has made testing more accessible, especially for those hesitant to visit clinics due to stigma.
Challenges and Solutions
GHANET emphasized several critical challenges in Ghana’s fight against HIV/AIDS:
- Dependence on International Funding: Most HIV/AIDS programs are funded by the Global Fund. Ortsin urged the government to prioritize domestic resource mobilization to ensure sustainability.
- Mother-to-Child Transmission: About 13% of HIV-positive mothers transmit the virus to their children, a statistic Ortsin described as “unacceptable.” He called for enhanced interventions to prevent such transmissions.
- Tax Exemptions on Health Commodities: Ortsin advocated for the removal of levies on donated medical supplies, which would improve access to essential resources.
ICASA 2025
Ghana is set to host the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) in 2025. Ortsin described it as an opportunity to spotlight Ghana’s efforts in combating HIV/AIDS.
“This is a historic event for Ghana. It’s an opportunity to show our commitment and share strategies to address HIV/AIDS across the continent,” he stated.
The health walk and rally concluded with a candlelight procession, symbolizing hope and solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The participation of political leaders, health advocates, and ordinary citizens underscored the need for collective action.
As Ghana moves forward, Mr. Ortsin stressed the importance of sustained efforts. “We need political commitment, community involvement, and individual responsibility to make a lasting impact. Together, we can achieve a future free of HIV/AIDS,” he concluded.
The event served as a poignant reminder of the challenges ahead and the collective resolve needed to overcome them. With renewed commitment from all sectors of society, Ghana hopes to reverse the tide of new infections and bring the country closer to the global goal of ending HIV by 2030.
