Stakeholders in Ghana’s fight against HIV have called for closer collaboration to achieve the 2030 90-90-90 target set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
This call was made during the 33rd World AIDS Day Commemoration, organized by the Ghana AIDS Commission in Accra yesterday.
Govt’s role in sustainable HIV financing
Speaking on behalf of President Nana Akufo-Addo, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu, emphasized that ending HIV in Ghana is not solely the government’s responsibility. He urged communities and stakeholders to work together in combating the epidemic.
He also disclosed that the government is exploring sustainable financing options, including the integration of HIV clinical services into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Challenges in combating HIV
The Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, highlighted the dual challenge of containing HIV while managing emerging diseases like diabetes, which strain national healthcare resources. He urged the public to adopt preventive measures to protect themselves from HIV infection.
Alarming statistics on HIV in Ghana
Dr. Kyereme Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, revealed troubling statistics about the state of HIV in Ghana. Despite increased access to treatment and care, approximately 35% of people living with HIV remain untested and unaware of their status.
Additionally, 55% of HIV-positive individuals in the country are not receiving antiretroviral treatment, a situation that has hindered progress toward achieving the 95-95-95 target.
He noted that about 50 new infections and 35 AIDS-related deaths occur daily in Ghana—deaths and infections that could have been prevented with better access to treatment.
Dr. Atuahene emphasized the economic toll of untreated HIV, citing a loss of productivity as a significant consequence.
“It makes economic sense to invest in HIV treatment, prevention, care, and support,” he concluded.
Addressing discrimination and barriers to care
UNAIDS Country Director, Sucilla Perez, underscored the importance of protecting the health rights and access to services for people living with HIV.
She stressed that ending AIDS requires removing barriers to care, including harmful laws and practices, and fostering inclusive, community-led responses.
Perez highlighted the detrimental impact of stigma, discrimination, and violence, which perpetuate social and self-stigma, leading to reduced access to testing, treatment, and support services.
This, in turn, fuels the epidemic. She called for urgent educational initiatives linking public health and human rights to enhance prevention efforts.
A call to action
The event concluded with a collective resolve to intensify efforts in combating HIV through collaboration, investment, and education, with the ultimate goal of eradicating the virus in Ghana by 2030.
By SELORM GBORBDZI, Accra
