The National HIV and AIDS Control Programme at the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reported over 34,000 new HIV infections between January and the third quarter of 2024.

The Programme Manager, Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo has stressed the critical need for public testing and screening, noting that around 1.3 million people were screened during this period.

Dr. Addo made these remarks during the launch of the 2024 World AIDS Day event, organised by the Ghana AIDS Commission. The ceremony included a candlelight procession to honor those who have lost their lives to AIDS.”

“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 Ayisi expressed concern over the high number of HIV infections reported in the first three quarters of 2024, highlighting that it presents a major challenge to Ghana’s goal of ending the epidemic by 2030.

He urged sexually active individuals to take proactive steps to protect their health, emphasizing the importance of consistently and correctly using condoms to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

“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,” he said.

The Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Atuahene Kyeremeh reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to achieve the shared goal of ending HIV by 2030.

He emphasized the critical role of screening and treatment for those infected and encouraged the public to take advantage of free treatment options, which are effective in suppressing the virus.

The Ghana AIDS Commission announced a series of activities planned for World AIDS Day, including a grand durbar in Accra on 2 December, 2024.

This event will involve representatives from the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health, UNAIDS, and the National Association of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+), among other key partners.

World AIDS Day, celebrated annually on 1 December, serves as a critical reminder for countries to renew their commitment to preventing new HIV infections and providing essential services for all individuals living with HIV globally.

The theme for 2024 World AIDS Day is “Take the Rights Path.”

Source: GNA