The 20th anniversary of HIV antiretroviral treatment in Ghana was launched by the Service with assistance from its health partners under the subject, “20 Years of HIV Antiretroviral Treatment in Ghana: Celebrating the Progress, Ending the Epidemic.”
In his keynote speech, Director-General of the Service Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye disclosed that the nation diagnosed its first case of AIDS in 1986 and promptly instituted programs like the National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP) and the National Advisory Council on AIDS (NACA) to combat the pandemic.
HIV-related death rates and new infections have decreased, according to Dr. Kuma-Aboagye, since Ghanaians living with the virus now have greater access to life-saving therapy than ever before.
The Director-General did note that issues including stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and maintaining the viability of ARV programs through sufficient funding and medical infrastructure continue to exist.
He cautioned all, saying that more needed to be done to enlighten the public, raise community awareness, and bust myths and misconceptions about HIV and ARV.
Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye urged all parties involved to keep up the good work and clear the path so that Ghana might one day picture a society, free of the HIV pandemic.
Antiretroviral therapy changed the face of HIV and AIDS care in Ghana 20 years ago, according to Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health, who made this statement in his welcome speech. The sector was changed by this therapy, he continued, giving hope, prolonging life, and enhancing quality of life for individuals suffering from this terrible illness.
Anti-retroviral medication, he claimed, emerged as a ray of hope, promising a better future in the backdrop of the enormous problems that people living with HIV faced. The medication, he stated, has improved and changed over the previous 20 years, turning HIV/AIDS from a near-death experience to a manageable chronic condition in many parts of the world. Dr Aseidu-Bekoe praised the tenacity and will of those living with HIV as well as the many campaigners who have battled for fair access to care and treatment.
In spite of the progress made, the Director reminded everyone that there are still obstacles to overcome before everyone can access life-saving medication, no matter where they live or their income level. In order to ensure that the advantages of innovation are shared with those in need, he finished by stating that stigma, discrimination, and inequality must be addressed going forward.
SOURCE: PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT, GHS
