By Benjamin A. Commey
Accra, Jan 03, GNA – Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programme Manager of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP) at the Ghana Health Service, is optimistic that Ghana will meet the UNAIDS global target to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2025.
The assurance comes despite concerns from some civil society organizations (CSOs) within the health sector regarding Ghana’s ability to meet the UNAIDS global target of eliminating HIV/AIDS by the 2025 deadline.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an HIV/AIDS sensitization and screening event at Laboma Beach in Accra during the festive season, Dr. Ayisi acknowledged some delays but emphasized that Ghana was still on track to meet the 2025 target.
He explained that his team, alongside other sector stakeholders, had developed a series of programs and strategies aimed at accelerating progress towards achieving the goals set by UNAIDS.
Among these programmes, Dr. Ayisi highlighted the upcoming International Conference on AIDS/STIs in Africa, scheduled for December 3 to 8 this year.
He explained, “Apart from raising awareness on HIV, we aim to use this opportunity to also achieve our 95-95-95 target.”
“Throughout this year we anticipate that all the strategies that we are rolling out will help us achieve these objectives, these targets.
“We believe that the conference will also help us to bring to attention the relevance and importance of the national response against HIV, to shore up private sector involvement, political leadership, to make sure that our health is strengthened further so that we can be able to manage HIV and other epidemics and pandemics that are afflicting us in the country.
“I am quite sure that if we do not relax, especially because, look at me here on the 1st of January, it was not like that last year. So, if we sustain the momentum, I am sure that we will be there, we will be in the 90s,” he added.
The UNAIDS 95-95-95 global target requires countries to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95 per cent of those diagnosed are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 per cent of those on ART achieve viral suppression (VLS) by 2025.
Currently, in Ghana, 65 per cent of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 69 per cent of these individuals are on treatment, and 89 per cent have achieved viral suppression.
Dr. Ayisi Addo also mentioned that, in collaboration with the Ghana HIV AIDS Network (GHANET), other civil society organizations (CSOs) in the sector, and with support from the Global Fund, the Ghana Health Service had empowered community volunteers to distribute HIV self-test kits.
This initiative aimed to enhance the testing process at the community level.
The sensitization exercise, which took place from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025, was designed to raise awareness about HIV, encourage regular testing, and promote continuous adherence to safety protocols such as abstinence and condom use.
On average, about 50 people were screened for the virus each day, while over 50,000 test kits were distributed during the exercise.
Also, over 50,000 condoms were given to revelers throughout the period.
The event was organized in partnership with the NACP, with support from the Global Fund.
Mr. Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, President of GHANET, stated that the sensitization exercise was part of the organization’s broader efforts to contribute to the national goal of achieving the global HIV/AIDS targets. He emphasized the importance of regular testing to ensure more people are aware of their HIV status.
Although he did not disclose the specific number of HIV cases recorded during the exercise, Mr. Ortsin noted that some “reactive cases” were identified.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ortsin explained that the organization planned to expand the exercise to other public spaces to increase the reach and number of people tested.
“We have planned that throughout the year, starting with Valentine’s Day, we will hold numerous activation events in different locations—not just along the beaches, but also in malls and other public areas where people gather,” he said.
He also urged Ghanaians to continue adhering to safety protocols, warning that the virus remained active, and precautions must be maintained.
GNA