The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has expressed concern over the rising number of HIV infections in the Ashanti Region, which now exceeds 66,000 cases. Alarmingly, less than half of those infected are receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), despite its availability.Ms.

0

Olivia Graham, Ashanti Regional Technical Coordinator of the GAC, highlighted these concerns during an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of a free multiphasic health screening held at Kejetia Market, Kumasi, to mark World AIDS Day.The screening exercise included tests for HIV, blood sugar levels, blood pressure (BP), and Body Mass Index (BMI).

1

Free condoms and HIV self-test kits were distributed to encourage safe practices and testing.Ms. Graham disclosed that 3,650 new HIV cases were recorded in 2023, indicating that about 10 people are infected daily in the region.“Our main focus for the multiphasic screening was to get many people checked for HIV since most people shy away from getting tested,” she explained.

2

She noted that the HIV test provided results within 15 minutes, indicating whether they were reactive or non-reactive.“The HIV test does not indicate a positive or negative result but a reactive or non-reactive result that takes 15 minutes to be ready,” Ms. Graham said, adding that individuals with reactive results were counselled and referred to health centers for further testing to confirm their status.

3

She emphasized that HIV is no longer a "death sentence" due to the availability of effective treatment.“There is a treatment for it, and when taken consistently, it reduces the viral load in the body system,” she assured.Ms. Graham urged citizens to get tested, know their status, and begin treatment if necessary.

4

She highlighted that achieving the goal of having 95% of infected persons on treatment is critical to controlling the spread of the virus.The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day celebration was “Take the Right Path: Ending AIDS Together.”

5