GHANET Calls for New Interventions, Strategies to Fight Soaring HIV Infections.

Accra: The Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) has urged the government to develop new interventions and strategies to help control the rising HIV infections in the country. Ghana recorded at least 34,000 new HIV infections between January and September this year, which is almost double the 17,774 cases reported in 2023.According to Ghana News Agency, GHANET, in a statement signed and issued on Monday by its President, Mr. Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day, indicated that although the country's national HIV/AIDS prevalence had declined to 1.53 percent, the rate of new infections was 'quite alarming.' The organisation highlighted that despite the progress made over the years, HIV/AIDS remains a significant challenge, necessitating a fresh approach to tackle the issue.GHANET noted that the recent introduction of HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) kits had been well-received by the Ghanaian public, with demand for the kits increasing. They suggested that a mass rollout of interventions on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PreP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) could gain high acceptance and popularity, particularly among the youth, and increase condom usage. The NGO encouraged the private sector, especially community pharmacies, to support these initiatives and make such commodities available throughout the country.The organisation expressed concern about reports of an increase in sex parties and hookups, alongside low condom usage, describing the situation as 'quite worrying.' GHANET made a special appeal to all Ghanaians, especially the youth, to be cautious of risky sexual behaviors.GHANET also voiced concerns about Ghana's progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, describing it as 'uninspiring.' The global target requires nations to ensure that 95 percent of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95 percent of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those receiving ART achieve viral suppression by 2025. Currently, 65 percent of people living with HIV in Gh ana are aware of their status, 69 percent of these individuals are on treatment, and 89 percent have achieved viral suppression.The organisation called for a dedicated fund to support HIV/AIDS interventions in Ghana, emphasizing the need for the government to activate the HIV/AIDS fund. They noted that the Global Fund is currently the largest donor for HIV and AIDS interventions in the country, having invested about 1.5 billion US dollars since 2002. However, with the Global Fund making transitional arrangements that may end its support, GHANET urged the government to operationalize the National HIV and AIDS Fund (NHAF) as proposed by the GAC Act, 2016 (Act 938).GHANET further encouraged Ghanaians to support the country as it prepares to host the 23rd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA 23) in December 2025. The theme for this year's celebration is: 'Take the Rights Path: End AIDS Now.'