AIDS Commission Cautions Against Unprotected Sex

Ghana AIDS Commission has appealed to Ghanaians to take responsibility for self-protection and healthy lifestyles.

In addition, the commission urged every Ghanaian to test to know their HIV status.

The increase in new infections is a matter of concern because Ghana recorded significant gains in the key target areas of ending HIV/AIDS for five years.

A release signed by Margaret Akosua Yamoah, Public Relations Manager of the commission, assured that those who test positive would be placed on life-saving antiretroviral treatment.

She explained that new HIV infections in the country did not go up by 80% and 70.15% as published in the media recently.

The figure increased from 20,224 new infections in 2015 to 20,418 in 2016.

This means that Ghana recorded 40,642 new HIV infections between 2015 and 2016.

Yamoah said the commission recognises that an 18% increase in new HIV infections is relatively high for a low HIV prevalent country like Ghana.

“Therefore, the commission has put in place the right policies and strategies to reduce new HIV infections and expand treatment and care services for persons living with HIV (PLHIV).

“The Government of Ghana has prioritised HIV on the national agenda and is committed to making the achievement of the 90-90-90 Strategy a reality, as well as creating an enabling environment for the implementation of HIV and AIDS interventions in the country.

“To this end, the government has set up a National HIV and AIDS Fund, which will ensure sustainable domestic funding for the HIV and AIDS response,” she added.

Source: The Finder