A recent report from the Ghana AIDS Commission has highlighted a concerning statistic: every 24 hours, 50 individuals in Ghana contract HIV, equating to one new infection approximately every 30 minutes.
Since the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, Ghana has made strides in tackling this public health crisis, but the report emphasizes that significant efforts are still required to raise awareness and achieve set targets.
The findings were released alongside the national and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections for 2023.
According to the data, approximately 334,095 individuals are currently living with HIV in Ghana, including 17,550 children under the age of 15.
The majority of new infections, numbering 17,774, were reported among individuals aged 15 to 49, which constitutes the economically active population.
Specifically, 1,698 new cases were identified in children under 15, while the remaining 16,076 cases were among older individuals.
Despite a noted decline in new infections, AIDS-related deaths, and HIV prevalence rates, the progress remains insufficient to meet the established goals.
In 2021, around 350,000 people were reported to be living with HIV in Ghana, a slight increase from 340,000 the previous year.
The data indicate that the number of individuals living with the virus has generally risen over the years, with sexual intercourse being one of the predominant modes of transmission.
As Ghana continues its battle against HIV/AIDS, the latest report underscores the need for heightened awareness and sustained efforts to curb new infections and support those affected by the virus.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
