Mrs. Olivia Graham, the Ashanti Regional Coordinator for the Ghana AIDS Commission, has brought to light a concerning issue regarding HIV/AIDS awareness among men in the country.
She disclosed that a significant majority of men have not undergone testing for HIV, which she believes is a major contributing factor to the low number of AIDS cases reported in the country.
Speaking in an interview, Mrs. Graham emphasized that women exhibit better health-seeking behaviors and are more proactive in getting tested compared to men.
She also highlighted the fact that women, as the recipients during sexual intercourse, are at a higher risk of contracting HIV, underscoring the urgent need for increased testing and awareness campaigns among men. In Ghana, there are currently 354 927 people living with HIV, with an estimated 16 574 new HIV infections in 2022.
Over the years, the Government of Ghana, through the Ghana AIDS Commission and the National AIDS Control Programme, with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners has made significant efforts towards strong HIV response.
The efforts have led to HIV testing and treatment services in Ghana being free in all government health facilities and some selected private health facilities. In addition, healthcare workers have been trained and supported to provide HIV care and prevention services without stigma and discrimination.
The country is also leveraging innovative approaches in the fight against HIV, including HIV self-testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis have been made available free of charge. These efforts over the years have resulted in a 38% reduction in new HIV infections since 2010.
Source: Kwasi Sarpong Mantey
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