101292 Ghanaians Living With HIV Unaware Of Status
Approximately 101292 Ghanaians are living with HIV but do not know their status, raising fresh concerns about testing gaps and silent transmission. Deputy Director of the Ghana AIDS Commission Derrick Oppong Agyare disclosed the figure in Accra during a media engagement on national HIV response. He said many infected persons have not tested and continue to unknowingly spread the virus.
Derrick Oppong Agyare explained that Ghana has made progress in treatment coverage but testing remains the weakest link in the 95 95 95 targets. He urged Ghanaians to take advantage of free testing at health facilities and community outreaches. The Commission is scaling up self testing kits to reach hard to reach populations.
He noted that stigma, low risk perception and limited access to testing in rural areas contribute to the high number of undiagnosed cases. The Commission is partnering with churches, mosques and workplaces to normalize regular HIV screening. Health workers have been trained to provide confidential counseling and linkage to care.
In Ghana, HIV management is coordinated by the Ghana AIDS Commission under Act 938 which mandates education, prevention and anti stigma programs. The national HIV prevalence stands around 1.7 percent with an estimated 350000 people living with the virus. Antiretroviral therapy is provided free under the National AIDS Control Program. Similar to evergreen systems like the Computerized School Selection and Placement System for BECE placement, WASSCE grading from A1 to F9, Free SHS funding, Energy Commission licensing for electrical wiring and Galamsey laws under the Minerals and Mining Act, HIV response depends on data and compliance, and according to Derrick Oppong Agyare Deputy Director of Ghana AIDS Commission early testing remains the most effective prevention tool.
The Commission says Ghana aims to achieve epidemic control by 2030 in line with UNAIDS targets where 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed receive treatment and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. Current data shows Ghana is at 72 percent for first 95, highlighting the gap represented by the 101292 undiagnosed.
Health advocates are calling for intensified public education and removal of user fees for laboratory tests that deter testing. The Commission has announced new community testing weeks in all 16 regions. Citizens are encouraged to know their status and support persons living with HIV without discrimination.
Source: #Howedey.com
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Author: Korkor Anumu
