More than 34,000 new HIV infections were found between January and the third quarter of 2024, according to the Ghana Health Service’s National HIV and AIDS Control Programme.
About 1.3 million people were checked during this time, according to Program Manager Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, who emphasized the value of public testing and screening.
“Between January and the third quarter alone, the number of people we identified as positives through our testing activities was 34,000,”
He made a note.
This was revealed by Dr. Addo during the Ghana AIDS Commission’s 2024 World AIDS Day inauguration, which featured a somber candlelight parade in remembrance of those who have died from AIDS.
Annually observed on December 1, World AIDS Day is a vital reminder to nations to reaffirm their commitment to avoiding new HIV infections and offering vital services to all people living with HIV worldwide.
Dr. Ayisi voiced alarm over the number of HIV infections reported in the first three quarters of 2024, pointing out that it was a serious obstacle to Ghana’s objective of eradicating the epidemic by 2030. The theme for 2024 World AIDS Day is “Take the Rights Path.”“The safest way to protect each other is to be faithful to your partner. Reduce new infections by behaving well or abstaining from sexual activities,”In order to stop additional transmission, he urged people living with HIV to take their treatment seriously.
The Ghana AIDS Commission’s Director General, Dr. Atuahene Kyeremeh, reiterated the commission’s dedication to working with all parties involved to accomplish the common objective of eradicating HIV by 2030.
He urged the public to use free treatment alternatives that effectively suppress the virus and emphasized the importance of screening and treating people who are affected.
A magnificent durbar in Accra on December 2, 2024, is one of the events scheduled for World AIDS Day, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission.
Among other important partners, this event will include representatives from the Ministry of Health, UNAIDS, the Ghana Health Service, and the National Association of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+).
The event’s attendees voiced their support for the GAC’s initiatives to reach the 2030 HIV elimination target.
