Ghanaian Men & Women At Higher Risk of Getting HIV/AIDS -GSS Reports

  The information from the 2022 Ghana Demographic Health Survey reveals concerning trends in HIV testing and related behaviors in the countr...

 

The information from the 2022 Ghana Demographic Health Survey reveals concerning trends in HIV testing and related behaviors in the country. 

A significant portion of sexually active men (nearly three-quarters) and women (54%) between the ages of 15 and 49 have never been tested for HIV. This indicates a gap in HIV testing, leaving individuals unaware of their status and potentially contributing to the risk of transmission.

The Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, suggests that the low testing rates may be linked to increased engagement in casual sex and having multiple sexual partners. This behavior poses a concern for the spread of HIV.

The survey highlights young people as an at-risk group for HIV, emphasizing the need for targeted HIV programming. Testing is crucial to diagnosing infections early and ensuring timely access to antiretroviral therapy.

Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene mentions that funding challenges are impacting the efforts of the Ghana AIDS Commission in combating HIV. The data presented reflects the consequences of these challenges on the ground.

The UNAIDS Country Director, Hector Sucilla Perez, emphasizes the importance of using the survey data to inform key policy decisions in the campaign to end AIDS by 2030. Informed policies can address the challenges identified in the survey.

 The Acting Director of Demography at the Ghana Statistical Service, Godwin Odei Gyebi, calls for efforts to address stigmatization. The data indicates that a significant percentage of both men and women believe that HIV-positive children should not attend the same school as HIV-negative children, highlighting the need for awareness and education to combat stigma.

In conclusion, the survey findings underscore the importance of enhancing HIV testing, especially among young people, and addressing the underlying issues of casual sex, multiple partners, funding constraints, and stigmatization in the fight against HIV in Ghana.