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The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has revealed alarming statistics indicating that 50 people contract HIV each day in Ghana, while 34 lives are lost daily to AIDS-related complications. This sobering reality underscores the urgent need for strengthened prevention, diagnosis, and treatment measures to combat the epidemic.

Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, the Director-General of the GAC, shared these insights at a durbar held in Accra to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day. He emphasized that many of these new infections and deaths could have been prevented if persons living with HIV (PLHIV) had been diagnosed early and adhered to antiretroviral treatment (ART).

World AIDS Day 2024

This year’s World AIDS Day was observed under the global theme “Take the Right Path” and the local theme “Ending AIDS Together: Stepping Up HIV Prevention Efforts.” The annual event serves as a platform to reflect on the epidemic’s impact, evaluate progress, identify challenges, and renew commitments to achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

The Economic Impact of HIV

Dr. Atuahene highlighted the economic toll of HIV on Ghana, pointing out that 183,000 PLHIV are not on ART. This gap not only results in preventable deaths and infections but also leads to significant productivity losses.

“The average productivity lost to HIV-related ill-health is about five days per month. When aggregated across the estimated number of untreated PLHIV, the economic impact is profound,” Dr. Atuahene explained.

He stressed the need for a shift in perspective, viewing HIV prevention and treatment as critical investments in public health and economic growth. “A healthy population is a propeller for economic development,” he added.

Collaborative Efforts Needed

Ms. Elsie Ayeh, President of Nap+ Ghana, called for collective action to end AIDS, urging all stakeholders to strengthen advocacy and remain committed to achieving this goal. “Let us have the conviction that ending AIDS is possible,” she said.

Mr. Hector Sucilla Perez, the UNAIDS Country Director, noted that globally, 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2023, far exceeding the target of 370,000 by 2025. He stressed the need to eliminate stigma, discrimination, and punitive laws that hinder access to care.

“Ending AIDS requires removing barriers that prevent people from accessing care while fostering inclusive, community-led responses,” Perez stated. He also emphasized the importance of investing in girls’ education as a critical component of HIV prevention.

Activities and Attendance

The World AIDS Day event featured an exhibition, community engagement, distribution of HIV education materials and condoms, and free medical services such as blood pressure screening and HIV testing.

Dignitaries in attendance included representatives from the World Health Organization, the US Embassy, traditional leaders, and the Trade Union Congress.

The event highlighted the pressing need for Ghana to intensify its HIV prevention and treatment efforts. With strong collaboration between stakeholders, improved public health investment, and community-led initiatives, the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 remains achievable.

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