In 2024, the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) distributed a total of 35,600 condoms to individuals in the Upper West Region as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. The distribution took place at various events, and additional condoms were made available for pickup at the Commission’s office in the region.
This was disclosed by Mr. Osei-Bonsu Gyamfi, the Upper West Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, during a presentation at the second Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (RECCOM) and Coordination meeting held in Wa. The meeting brought together stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS sector to review progress, discuss challenges, and strategize interventions to reduce the transmission of HIV in the region.
Mr. Gyamfi highlighted that the Commission had rolled out various interventions to prevent the spread of HIV in the Upper West Region, including institutional sensitization, HIV testing, and service provision. These activities aim to raise awareness and ensure access to essential services for individuals at risk of HIV.
However, he acknowledged several challenges that hinder the effectiveness of these efforts. Chief among these was the lack of funding for HIV/AIDS-related interventions. Mr. Gyamfi noted that there were limited resources for regular monitoring visits to districts, which affected the Commission’s ability to sustain its outreach programs.
Additionally, he pointed out that Municipal and District Assemblies were reluctant to release the HIV/AIDS component of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), which has impacted the Commission’s ability to implement HIV-related activities at the local level.
Other challenges identified during the meeting included:
- Limited Involvement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Few CSOs are actively engaged in the HIV space within the Upper West Region, which limits the scope of outreach and intervention programs.
- High Levels of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination: Stigma continues to be a major barrier for those living with HIV, preventing people from seeking help and treatment.
- Increased Men Having Sex with Men (MSM) in the Region: There has been a rise in MSM activities, which is contributing to the spread of HIV in the region.
To address these issues, Mr. Gyamfi called on the media to intensify advocacy on HIV/AIDS awareness, focusing on HIV-related stigma and encouraging the public to support efforts aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.
Mr. Dramani Abdul-Razak, the Upper West Regional Operations Manager for Hope for Future Generation (HFFG), also spoke at the meeting, emphasizing the importance of addressing stigma against individuals living with HIV/AIDS. He highlighted that HFFG is actively implementing projects designed to reduce stigma and promote the integration of persons living with HIV into society.
The meeting was attended by various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including HFFG, the National Association of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (NAP+), the Ghana HIV/AIDS Network (GHANET), and representatives from the Christian Council.
According to data from the Ghana AIDS Commission, the number of new HIV infections in the Upper West Region was 368 in 2022, compared to 300 in 2023. While there was a decrease in new infections, the figures indicate that more work needs to be done to further reduce the spread of HIV in the region.
