Accra: Communities and healthcare providers have been urged to strengthen collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) for the realization of the national 95-95-95 HIV targets. Ms Rita Afriyie, Technical Coordinator at the Greater Accra Technical Support Unit of the GAC, emphasized that the targets-ensuring that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed are on sustained treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression-could only be achieved through collective effort.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms Afriyie spoke on behalf of the Director-General of the Commission at the launch of a two-month HIV sensitisation campaign in Accra. She stated the GAC’s commitment to coordinating national efforts to promote prevention, treatment, and the reduction of stigma and discrimination. The campaign, themed ‘Your Body, Your Choice, Your Protection’, runs from October 10 to December 10, 2025, and is implemented by the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) in collaboration with the GAC, Ghana Health Service, Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), Ghana Education Service (GES), and Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), with support from various partners including WAPCAS, ARACO Construction Limited, Jekora Ventures Limited, and market associations.
The launch featured a free health screening for residents focusing on blood pressure, blood sugar, breast cancer, and HIV. Ms Afriyie highlighted that the campaign theme underscores shared responsibility and the power of informed choices in promoting a healthier society. She stressed the importance of collaboration among health professionals, educators, faith leaders, traditional authorities, community advocates, and every Ghanaian citizen to reach the 95-95-95 targets.
Ms Afriyie described the HIV fight as a human development issue concerning dignity, rights, and the future of the youth. She noted that Greater Accra currently has the highest number of people living with HIV in Ghana, with over 77,800 individuals and an adult prevalence rate of 1.8 percent. The region also recorded the highest number of new infections, estimated at 3,436 in 2024. She called for intensified education, testing, and treatment efforts, especially for youth aged 15 to 24, who remain among the most vulnerable groups.
Mr Mark Jnr Aglobitse, Project Officer at HFFG, stated that his organisation is implementing youth-focused interventions to reduce new infections and improve access to care. He highlighted the role of peer educators in providing HIV testing, STI screening, and health education to young women, making it easier for them to know their status and access PrEP and other preventive resources. The campaign’s theme reflects the need for individuals to take responsibility for their health and for communities to empower youth with accurate information.
Mr Bubu Kumordzie, Deputy Manager at Jekora Ventures Limited, said the company’s participation is part of its commitment to community well-being through sanitation and environmental health. He pointed out that although HIV is not waterborne, poor sanitation increases the risk of opportunistic infections such as diarrhoea and skin diseases among people living with HIV. He encouraged residents to adopt healthy lifestyles, avoid risky sexual behaviours, and maintain discipline in their choices.
Recent data from the GAC shows that the Korle Klottey Municipality has an HIV prevalence rate of 11.3 percent-the highest in the Greater Accra Region. The ongoing campaign aims to raise awareness on HIV transmission and prevention, promote voluntary testing and counselling, and engage schools, community leaders, and local organisations to reduce stigma and empower young people and women with accurate health information. By equipping residents with knowledge and access to testing and treatment, the initiative seeks to support Ghana’s broader goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.