Same-sex marriage, sex workers contribute to HIV fast-track infections – Ghana Aids Commission

Director General of the Ghana Aids Commission, Dr Kyeremeh Atuahene, says same-sex marriage and the activities of sex workers are contributing to the fast-track of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in Ghana.

Dr. Atuahene’s comment follows the latest demographic survey on health by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), which reveals that HIV cases continue to increase in Ghana despite public education by the Ghana Aids Commission.

Out of the total of 16,574 new HIV infections recorded in Ghana in the 2022 national and sub-national HIV/AIDS estimates and projections, females accounted for 10,927 of the cases, while males accounted for 5,647.

Director General of the Ghana Aids Commission, Dr Kyeremeh Atuahene, said the country falls under this category because of increased new infections.

“The people who contribute a significant amount of new infections in the country are criminalised; men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, their activities are criminal in the country.

“So it drives them underground and prevents them from accessing HIV prevention and treatment services to bring down the level of new infections.

“Remember that Ghana is one of the countries that is seen as having the highest number of new infections, and Ghana is part of HIV prevention fast-track countries. It is not for any reason; it is because Ghana has a high burden of new HIV infections,” Dr Atuahene noted in an interview.

He explained that to tackle the increasing phenomenon, the country must concentrate on this group by finding innovative ways to treat them.

Dr Atuahene also revealed that there were plans to engage influential persons in society to promote awareness of HIV and AIDS.

“One major gap that I see is the lack of participation of high-profile Ghanaians who live with HIV. In many countries where we have seen lower levels of stigma and discrimination relating to HIV, it has often been characterised by leadership or people who are well-placed in society.

“So you can talk about business executives, the celebrities in showBiz, sportsmen, and women, traditional authorities, even priests when they lead such anti-stigma campaigns, you see results in stigma reduction,” he added.