DISCLAIMER! Over 70,000 Individuals Affected by HIV in Ashanti

In the Ashanti Region of Ghana, a pressing concern emerges as the Ghana Aids Commission’s 2022 report reveals that an estimated 72,429 people are living with HIV.

Disturbingly, only 26,006 individuals are currently on Anti-Retroviral (ARV) medication, leaving a significant gap of 46,421 people whose antiretroviral status remains unaccounted for. This discrepancy suggests a critical need for increased awareness and access to HIV testing and treatment.

Deputy Ashanti Regional Focal Person for HIV/AIDS, Mr. Dennis Bandoh, discloses a troubling 2.1 percent increase in new cases, totaling 4,618 at the end of the third quarter of 2023. The report underscores the challenge of getting men to voluntarily test, a vital aspect of HIV prevention. Many men are hesitant, assuming their negative status if their partners test negative, leading to potential undiagnosed cases.

Mr. Bandoh emphasizes the importance of early initiation of treatment to prevent the progression of the virus to the AIDS stage. The data also highlights specific at-risk groups, including men having sex with men, female commercial sex workers, long-distance drivers, and uniformed men. The nature of their work and lifestyles exposes them to higher risks, making targeted interventions essential.

The Ghana Health Service employs innovative strategies to enhance testing rates, such as index testing, encouraging those who tested positive to advocate for their close family and sexual partners to undergo testing. Additionally, HIV self-test kits are now available in all health facilities, promoting accessibility and privacy in the testing process.

Addressing the HIV challenge in the Ashanti Region necessitates a multifaceted approach involving increased awareness, targeted testing initiatives, and improved accessibility to treatment. It is crucial to break down misconceptions, particularly regarding testing among men, to bridge the gap and create a healthier, more informed community.