Forty years on, the fight against HIV is not over

Ghana has achieved significant milestones in the fight against HIV over the past four decades. The prevalence rate has dropped from 4.2 per cent to 1.4 per cent, mother-to-child transmission has been reduced by nearly 90 per cent, and HIV-related deaths have fallen from around 24,000 to 12,000. These accomplishments are the result of extensive public education, testing, treatment, and prevention initiatives, as well as the dedication of health workers and development partners.

However, these successes should not lead Ghana to believe that the fight against HIV is complete. The Ghana AIDS Commission emphasizes that HIV remains a public health concern, and the struggle against it is far from over. Therefore, the Commission urges Ghanaians to utilize available HIV self-testing services. These services provide a crucial first step towards safeguarding one's health and preventing further infections.

Nevertheless, fear, stigma, discrimination, and logistical challenges often hinder people from seeking testing. By offering free HIV self-testing kits at public health facilities and allowing online delivery, the Commission aims to overcome some of these obstacles. However, testing alone is insufficient. Individuals who receive a positive self-test result must be encouraged and supported to undergo confirmatory testing and receive appropriate treatment.

The Commission's initiatives to enhance access to condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are also vital. These measures must be accessible, particularly to younger individuals and other groups who may face greater challenges in accessing prevention services. Nonetheless, stigma and discrimination continue to dissuade people from seeking assistance.

Despite 40 years of public education, some individuals still fear being judged, rejected, or treated unfairly due to their HIV status. This attitude must be addressed. Health workers, families, schools, religious organizations, traditional authorities, and the media all have a responsibility to foster an environment where individuals can seek testing and treatment without fear.

HIV is a health condition, not a reason for shame or isolation. The Ghana AIDS Commission warns that unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, low and inconsistent condom usage, and transactional sex remain significant contributors to transmission, especially among young people. Young people require accurate, practical, and age-appropriate information to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Meanwhile, the government must demonstrate a steadfast commitment to HIV prevention and treatment. As the National AIDS Control Programme rightly states, the true measure of progress is whether services reach everyone who needs them. This necessitates improved primary healthcare integration, dependable supplies of medicines and prevention products, trained personnel, and sufficient domestic funding.

The UNAIDS' concerns regarding alterations in global donor funding should also serve as a catalyst for Ghana to bolster its own financial commitment. The government cannot afford interruptions in essential HIV services due to uncertain external support. Ghana's four decades of progress should fuel greater determination rather than complacency.

The objective of ending AIDS will only be attainable if testing, prevention, and treatment are accessible to all without discrimination.