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World AIDS Day 2024
Every day in Ghana, 50 people contract HIV, while 34 lose their lives to AIDS-related causes, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC). These sobering statistics underscore the need for heightened efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the country.
Speaking at a durbar to commemorate World AIDS Day 2024 in Accra, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director-General of the GAC, emphasized that these new infections and deaths are preventable. He highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for individuals living with HIV (PLHIV).
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The global theme for this year’s World AIDS Day 2024 is “Take the Right Path,” while Ghana has adopted the local theme: “Ending AIDS Together: Stepping Up HIV Prevention Efforts.” The annual event provides a platform to reflect on the impact of HIV/AIDS, evaluate progress, and renew commitments to achieving the global target of ending AIDS by 2030.
HIV’s Impact on Ghana’s Economy
Dr. Atuahene noted that HIV-related illnesses significantly affect Ghana’s productivity. He revealed that the average productivity loss due to HIV-related ill health amounts to five days per month for those not on treatment. With an estimated 183,000 PLHIV in Ghana not accessing ART, this loss takes a considerable toll on the nation’s economy.
He urged policymakers and stakeholders to view HIV prevention, treatment, and care services as investments in Ghana’s economic growth and sustainable development.
Strengthening Collective Efforts
Ms. Elsie Ayeh, President of Nap+ Ghana, called for collective action to end AIDS, emphasizing the power of advocacy and community efforts. “Let us have the conviction that ending AIDS is possible,” she urged.
Adding to the call, Mr. Hector Sucilla Perez, UNAIDS Country Director, highlighted global challenges in HIV prevention. He reported that 1.3 million people worldwide acquired HIV in 2023, far exceeding the target of 370,000 new infections by 2025. Despite advances in treatment, 9.3 million people living with HIV remain without access to life-saving ART due to barriers such as stigma, discrimination, and punitive laws.
Perez stressed the importance of removing these barriers and promoting inclusive, community-led responses. He also highlighted investing in girls’ education as a critical strategy in HIV prevention.
Event Highlights
The World AIDS Day 2024 durbar featured diverse activities, including exhibitions, community engagement, distribution of HIV education materials and condoms, medical screenings, HIV testing, and blood pressure checks. The event brought together representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Embassy, traditional leaders, and the Trade Union Congress to reaffirm their commitment to ending HIV/AIDS in Ghana.
As Ghana intensifies its fight against HIV/AIDS, this year’s event serves as a reminder that ending the epidemic requires collective action, sustained investment, and the removal of societal barriers to care.
Source: Ghana News Agency (GNA)
