Between January and the third quarter of 2024, more than 34,000 new HIV infections were found, according to the Ghana Health Service’s National HIV and AIDS Control Programme.
The program manager, Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, highlighted the value of public testing and screening, stating that roughly 1.3 million people were screened during this time.
“Between January and the third quarter alone, the number of people we identified as positives through our testing activities was 34,000,” he said.
Dr. Addo made the revelation at the Ghana AIDS Commission’s 2024 World AIDS Day launch, which featured a somber candlelight procession honoring those who have died from AIDS.
World AIDS Day, which is observed on December 1st each year, is an important reminder to nations to reaffirm their commitment to preventing new HIV infections and offering necessities to all people living with HIV worldwide.
Dr. Ayisi voiced concern about the number of HIV infections reported in the first three quarters of 2024, stating that it presented 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.”
He advised those who engage in sexual activity to put their health first by regularly and appropriately using condoms as a preventative measure against HIV and other STDs.
“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,” he advised, urging persons living with HIV to take their treatment seriously to prevent further transmission.
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 options that effectively suppress the virus and underlined the importance of screening and treatment for those who are infected.
