Greater Accra Records Highest HIV Cases in Ghana

Accra: The 2024 National HIV and sub national HIV Estimates and Projections reveal that the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern regions report the highest numbers of individuals living with HIV infections.According to Ghana News Agency, the data indicates that 77,821 people with HIV reside in Greater Accra, 63,159 in Ashanti, and 44,792 in the Eastern Region. In contrast, the North East Region recorded the lowest number, with 1,717 persons living with the infection.Mr. Issiah Doe Kwao, Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), attributed the high infection rates to unprotected sex, risky sexual behaviors, ignorance about HIV, and low interest in condom use, particularly among the youth. Five districts across the country also recorded the highest number of new infections. The Accra Metro District saw 451 new infections, Kumasi recorded 360, Techiman Municipal in Bono East had 264, while Kpone-Katamanso and Ga East Districts in Greater Accra recorded 252 and 206 ne w infections, respectively.Mr. Kwao emphasized the importance of using lubricated condoms, noting their safety. He remarked that HIV prevention and control achievements were uneven across regions and districts. Thirty-six per cent of districts have an HIV prevalence exceeding the national adult HIV prevalence. The GAC plans to scale up the usage of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and ensure its availability for high-risk groups in health facilities.PrEP is a medication for HIV-negative individuals to significantly reduce their risk of contracting the infection. It involves taking antiviral drugs before potential exposure to the virus, primarily through sex or injection drug use. PrEP works by blocking the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from taking hold and spreading if exposed during sex or injection drug use.Mr. Kwao called for sustained investments and efforts in increasing awareness, testing, and access to HIV treatment to ensure Ghana achieves epidemic control. In 2023, of all people livin g with HIV, 86 per cent knew their status, 77 per cent were receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 72 per cent had suppressed viral loads.The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body's immune system, and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) occurs at the most advanced stage of infection. HIV targets the body's white blood cells, weakening the immune system and making it easier for individuals to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis, infections, and some cancers. HIV is spread through the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen, vaginal fluids, and from mother-to-baby. It is not spread through kisses, hugs, or sharing food. HIV can be prevented with the use of condoms and treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, often after many years.