The National HIV and AIDS Control Programme of the Ghana Health Service has reported over 34,000 new HIV infections detected from January to the third quarter of 2024.

Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo, the Programme Manager, emphasized the importance of public testing and screening, revealing that approximately 1.3 million people were screened during this period.

“Between January and the third quarter alone, the number of people we identified as positives through our testing activities was 34,000,” he noted.

Dr Addo disclosed this during the launch of the 2024 World AIDS Day, organized by the Ghana AIDS Commission, which included a solemn candlelight procession in memory of those who have lost their lives to AIDS.

World AIDS Day, celebrated annually on December 1, serves as a critical reminder for countries to renew their commitment to preventing new HIV infections and providing essential services for all individuals living with HIV globally.

The theme for 2024 World AIDS Day is “Take the Rights Path,”

Dr. Ayisi expressed concern about the number of HIV infections recorded in the first three quarters of 2024, noting that it posed a significant challenge to Ghana’s goal of ending the epidemic by 2030.

He urged sexually active individuals to prioritize their health by consistently and correctly using condoms as a protective measure against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

“The safest way to protect each other is to be faithful to your partner. Reduce new infections by behaving well or abstaining from sexual activities,” he advised, urging persons living with HIV to take their treatment seriously to prevent further transmission.

Dr. Atuahene Kyeremeh, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to achieve the shared goal of ending HIV by 2030.

He emphasized the critical role of screening and treatment for those infected and encouraged the public to take advantage of free treatment options, which are effective in suppressing the virus.

The Ghana AIDS Commission announced a series of activities planned for World AIDS Day, including a grand durbar in Accra on December 2, 2024.

This event will involve representatives from the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health, UNAIDS, and the National Association of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+), among other key partners.

Participants at the event expressed their support for the GAC’s efforts to meet the 2030 target for HIV elimination.