The Ghana Health Service’s National HIV and AIDS Control Programme has identified over 34,000 new HIV cases across the country from January to September 2024. Programme Manager Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo underscored the importance of widespread testing, revealing that nearly 1.3 million people have been screened within this period.
Speaking at the 2024 World AIDS Day launch, hosted by the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Ayisi Addo noted the concerning rate of new infections, which challenges Ghana’s mission to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. He encouraged sexually active individuals to adopt safe practices like consistent condom use, loyalty to partners, or abstinence to help curb further spread.
Dr. Atuahene Kyeremeh, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, reinforced the agency’s commitment to collaboration with all stakeholders to achieve the 2030 goal. He highlighted that early screening and accessible treatment options play a crucial role in managing the virus, urging the public to take advantage of these resources.
A series of activities are planned to commemorate World AIDS Day, including a durbar on December 2 in Accra. Representatives from the Ministry of Health, UNAIDS, the Ghana Health Service, and the National Association of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+) will gather to affirm support for HIV elimination efforts in Ghana.
