Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene
The Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, has raised an urgent alarm about the rising prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Ghana, underscoring the disease’s growing toll on public health.
Speaking to the media over the weekend, during a World AIDS Day health walk and rally, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene revealed a shocking statistic: an average of 50 new HIV infections were recorded every day in the country.
He said this unsettling number had propelled HIV/AIDS into the top ten causes of death in the country, marking a troubling shift in the nation’s health landscape.
Crisis levels
According to Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, the situation was reaching crisis levels, with the disease becoming a significant public health threat. He further highlighted the challenges faced by the Ghana AIDS Commission in responding to this surge, citing limited funding and the economic difficulties that had constrained the government’s capacity to tackle the epidemic.
“HIV/AIDS is no longer just a health issue; it is now one of the leading causes of death in the country. This places an immense strain on our healthcare system, especially given the financial limitations we are currently facing,” Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene said.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene encouraged Ghanaians to take proactive steps in combating the disease. He urged the public to take advantage of the country’s free HIV testing and treatment services, stressing that early detection and prompt medical intervention were crucial in managing and mitigating the disease’s impact.
“Free testing and treatment services are available nationwide. I urge all Ghanaians to get tested regularly, and seek treatment if diagnosed. Early intervention can save lives,” he emphasised.
Alarming situation
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Ernest Oteng, President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network and Acting Chairman of the Country Coordinating Mechanism for the Global Fund, shared more sobering figures.
According to Mr Oteng, 12,500 people lost their lives to HIV/AIDS in the past year alone, while a staggering 35,000 new infections were reported between January and September 2024. He said the numbers painted a picture of a relentless epidemic that continues to spread despite efforts to curb it.
Mr. Oteng called for a concerted effort from all sectors of society to address the growing health crisis. He particularly highlighted the importance of fighting stigma and discrimination against individuals living with HIV. “It is critical that we do not marginalize those affected by HIV/AIDS. They deserve our compassion and support, not shame and isolation,” he stressed.
He also stressed the need for greater public education on the disease and the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for those living with the virus.
Advocacy
He called for stronger advocacy, more funding and enhanced community-based programmes to reach at-risk populations, particularly young people and marginalized groups. He also emphasised the need for continued collaboration with international organizations to ensure access to resources, and support in the fight against the disease.
As World AIDS Day approaches on December 1, 2024, the rallying cry from Ghana’s health leaders is clear: the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over, and collective action is needed now more than ever to stem the tide of new infections and prevent further loss of life.
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