Breaking Barriers:Ending the HIV epidemic in Ghana with the UN 95-95-95 Strategy

By Victor Kofi Dei, Doctoral Student, University of Kentucky, USA

Health Communication Researchers with interests in health campaigns feel deeply concerned about the recent hike in HIV cases in Ghana. One wonders why Ghana is recording such huge numbers daily. The obvious reason could be the low level of education and sensitisation. Though issues related to sex and its consequences are heavily policed in most parts of Ghana, it is about time we face reality and deal with them if we want to make any headway.

Adopting the UN’s 95-95-95 strategy is crucial for Ghana in its fight against HIV and AIDS. The strategy aims for 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent receiving antiretroviral therapy to achieve viral suppression. 

Quite a lot of people are afraid to get tested because of the stigma associated with it. The sad reality is that if we do not get tested, we will never know our status. Another sad reality is that, even if we are afraid to get tested, once we have acquired the disease, it will eventually break us down one day. Unfortunately, unlike we are daily forgiven by the Almighty God, the virus is no respecter of persons, and just as with any other virus, it does not forgive and care for whoever has acquired it. We need to break down the barriers of stigma, judgment and name-calling that prevent people from seeking the help they need and, rather, foster an environment of compassion and understanding to make significant strides in combating this epidemic. 

It is a known fact that any sexually active person can contract HIV. 

Few times, people have said that they do not see the need to test for the virus because they have always been with only one sex partner. While such people should be applauded for their sincerity and faithfulness, it is important to remind them that they might have a partner, but their partners might also have other partners. Another reason regular testing is key is because HIV is not transmitted only through sex. Countries such as Switzerland and the United Kingdom have demonstrated remarkable progress in managing HIV by adopting strategic and specific approaches. 

In Switzerland, it has been proven that individuals on effective antiretroviral therapy with undetectable viral loads do not transmit the virus to their sexual partners. The UK has been able to achieve a 73 percent decline in new HIV diagnoses among the most vulnerable and high-risk population, thanks to increased testing, the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis taken before any unprotected sexual encounter, Post Exposure Prophylaxis, taken 72 hours after a possible exposure to the virus, and effective antiretroviral therapy. Cuba is also nearing zero new cases due to these strategies. While pre-exposure prophylaxis has been considered by some conservationists and religious groups as a promiscuous pill, its potency in reducing the spread of HIV is accurate. Getting on Antiretroviral Treatments as quickly as possible if one tests positive will not only give that person a healthy life but also prevent the person from transmitting the virus to the other sex partners, even in a condomless encounter. This is factual, tested, and proven. There are thousands of serodiscordant couples, thus HIV-negative and Positive couples around the world, who have children with no transmission, either to the partner that tests negative for the virus or to the kids. Letting people know their status and the options they have to stay healthy and safe is the way to go. Community engagement is also a vital strategy for preventing HIV in Ghana, as it fosters local ownership, promotes culturally appropriate interventions, and enhances the effectiveness of health programmes. Involving community and religious leaders and local organisations in health initiatives or programmes can gain trust and credibility, which will make it easier to disseminate accurate information about HIV prevention and treatment.

Engaging communities help to reduce stigma and discrimination, creating a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to test and seek treatment. Peer education and support groups can also empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to adopt safer behaviours and adhere to treatment regimens. Importantly, community-driven approaches can identify and address specific local challenges, ensuring that interventions are tailored to meet the unique needs of different populations and transform passive recipients of health services into active participants, fostering collective efforts to combat HIV and promoting sustainable, long-term health outcomes. 

Ghana can learn from the global success stories of other countries and implement similar strategies.

Breaking the barriers of stigma and discrimination, increasing awareness, and expanding access to prevention and treatment, can make substantial progress in controlling, reducing, and eventually eliminating HIV in our country.

This is doable. 

Together, we can change the narrative around HIV in Ghana and ensure good health and dignity for all.

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