The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) made a significant stride in combating the spread of HIV by distributing 35,600 condoms across the Upper West Region in 2024. This initiative aimed to raise awareness and provide resources to curb the virus. The condoms were handed out at various events, while some individuals also picked up their share directly from the GAC office.
During a recent session in Wa, the GAC’s Upper West Regional Technical Coordinator, Mr. Osei-Bonsu Gyamfi, shared this update with stakeholders at the second Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (RECCOM) and Coordination meeting. The gathering provided a vital forum for HIV-related organisations to evaluate their progress, highlight obstacles, and devise new strategies to prevent further spread in the region.
Mr. Gyamfi explained that the commission had taken several initiatives, including institutional sensitisation campaigns and extensive HIV testing services, as part of their ongoing efforts to control the epidemic. However, he pointed out that the lack of sufficient funding for HIV/AIDS initiatives, such as regular monitoring visits to districts, posed a significant barrier to success. He also noted that local Municipal and District Assemblies were slow to release the HIV/AIDS portion of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), further impeding their mission.
Other challenges identified by Mr. Gyamfi included the limited involvement of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the HIV response, ongoing high levels of HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and a concerning rise in Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) activities within the region. He urged the media to heighten their efforts in advocating for awareness, especially in tackling HIV-related stigma, to support the fight against the virus.
Mr. Dramani Abdul-Razak, the Upper West Regional Operations Manager for Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), highlighted the importance of addressing stigma against individuals living with HIV/AIDS. His organisation is actively running projects that promote better integration and reduce discrimination for these individuals.
The meeting was attended by a diverse group of CSO representatives, including HFFG, the National Association of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (NAP+), Ghana HIV/AIDS Network (GHANET), and members of the Christian Council, among others.
According to GAC data, the Upper West Region saw 368 new HIV infections in 2022, which decreased to 300 in 2023, signalling a slight but hopeful reduction in new cases.
