2018 World AIDS Day launched

GHANA has launched the 2018 World AIDS Day celebration with stakeholders reiterating their resolve to achieve the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) - 90–90–90- target by 2020.

The national commitment to the 90-90-90 target is to facilitate the delivery of the HIV/AIDS target under goal three of the  the Sustainable Development Goals, which is to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

The  90–90–90- target calls on all United Nations (UN) member states to ensure that by 2020, 90 per cent of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90 per cent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained anti-retroviral therapy and 90 per cent  of all people receiving anti-retroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

Statistics available to the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) indicate that 316,000 Ghanaians are living with HIV/AIDS, with a high prevalence rate among the youth.

According to the Commission, 19,101 new cases were recorded in 2017.

The launch of the World AIDS Day marks the beginning of 30-day long activities which will precede the celebration of the day on December 1, 2018.

National response

In an address, Mrs Cecilia Dapaah, who has executive oversight over the GAC, appealed to the private sector to support the national response to HIV/AIDS agenda.

“We are aware of dwindling donor support for HIV/AIDS response and as a government we are ready to take up the task of investing in the national HIV/AIDs response not just to meet the 90-90-90 target but to also facilitate the elimination of the disease by 2030,” she said.

She noted that many barriers to HIV testing remain.

“Stigma and discrimination still deter people from taking an HIV test,” she added.

HIV testing

The Acting Director-General of the GAC, Mr Kyeremeh Atuahene, reminded the public that their primary and critical responsibility and support to the national response was to know their status.

He said knowing one’s status increased the opportunity of getting help and avoid unknowingly spreading the disease, while helping stakeholders to better manage the national situation.

Mr Atuahene reiterated that due to the availability of potent medications, infected persons could live normal lives.

He, however, expressed worry over the high prevalence rate of the disease among the youth.

The Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Pius Enam Hadzide, said HIV testing was essential for expanding treatment and ensuring that all people living with HIV could lead healthy and productive lives.

“It is also crucial to achieving the 90–90–90 targets and empowering people to make choices about HIV prevention so they can protect themselves and their loved ones,” he said.

Writer’s email Doreen.andoh@graphic.com.gh