Ghana continues to grapple with the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, with the disease claiming 9,354 lives in 2022 alone. The country also witnessed 16,574 new infections in the same year, pushing the total number of persons living with HIV to a staggering 354,927. These alarming statistics were revealed in the recently disseminated “2022 National and sub-national HIV estimates and projections report” by the Ghana Aids Commission (GAC) and its partners.
The data presented in the report holds significant importance as it was generated using an improved version of the mechanism utilized in the past. According to the Director-General of GAC, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, such HIV estimates are crucial in understanding the magnitude of the epidemic and formulating a well-planned response to combat the disease effectively. He emphasized the need for accurate data information about HIV over time to guide policies and interventions aimed at curbing its spread.
While there have been notable achievements in Ghana’s response to HIV/AIDS, with lives saved and empowered communities, Dr. Atuahene reminds us that harsh realities still persist. Vulnerability, especially among females, remains a significant concern. The data from the report revealed that females accounted for 239,692 of the total national burden, compared to 115,235 among males. Furthermore, 10,927 new infections in the year were attributed to women, with 5,647 affecting males.
Dr. Atuahene explained that women face higher vulnerability due to their biological makeup, including a greater mucus area exposed during sexual intercourse. Additionally, younger females under the age of 17 are at even higher risk due to an underdeveloped cervix and low vaginal mucus production. The Director-General urged females to take conscious efforts to protect themselves during sexual encounters, especially with partners whose HIV status is unknown. Simultaneously, he called on men to play their part in safeguarding women’s health.
Despite some strides in Ghana’s national response to HIV/AIDS, Dr. Atuahene highlighted that progress remains slow. The country must ramp up efforts to achieve the global 95-95-95 target set by the joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for 2030. The 95-95-95 target entails diagnosing 95% of all HIV-positive individuals, providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 95% of those diagnosed, and achieving viral suppression for 95% of those treated.
As of the report’s data, Ghana has achieved 71.1%, 62.7%, and 42.7% of the respective target goals. Dr. Atuahene stressed the urgent need for increased investment and collaboration among stakeholders to boost prevention efforts and enhance access to essential services and medications. He also emphasized the importance of continued treatment for those living with HIV, as an undetectable viral load does not imply a cure; stopping treatment could lead to a rapid increase in detectable viral load and transmission risks.
The Country Director of UNAIDS, Hector Sucilla Perez, acknowledged the crucial role of global, regional, and country-level partners in using the data to fine-tune the AIDS response to focus on effectiveness. Collaborative efforts and sustained commitment are necessary to curb the HIV/AIDS epidemic’s impact in Ghana and ensure the well-being of affected individuals and communities.
