The Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) is calling on the government to allocate resources for the importation of new, advanced testing kits capable of detecting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as early as two weeks after it enters the bloodstream.
Mr. Ernest Amoabeng Orstin, President of GHANET, highlighted a critical limitation in current testing protocols, stating that detecting an HIV infection typically takes about three months, depending on the testing facility used.
“However, there are newer kits that can help detect the presence of HIV in two weeks, which are not currently available in Ghana,” Mr. Orstin noted.
GHANET appealed to the government to support the importation of these new-generation kits. Mr. Orstin emphasized that this procurement would significantly aid in providing early treatment to individuals with the virus and, consequently, reduce potential complications.
He underscored that the HIV test is an internationally accepted medical standard for accurately detecting the infection.
While acknowledging that there is currently no cure for the disease, he stressed that early detection enables individuals to access prompt treatment and maintain better long-term health.
Timely testing, he added, is crucial for mitigating the severity of the disease and preventing dangerous complications, such as the progression to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Orstin also raised serious concerns regarding the persistence of discrimination and stigma against persons living with the virus. He warned that these activities actively undermine the national fight against HIV/AIDS.
He advised the public on prevention strategies, which include reducing the number of sexual partners, adopting the proper and consistent use of condoms, and most importantly, abstaining from sex.
In light of reported challenges with support from organizations like the Global Fund and UNAIDS, Mr. Orstin appealed to corporate Ghana to actively support the government’s efforts in combating the virus.
He described the new infection figures as alarming, making the deployment of reduction measures critical. According to his statement, 15,290 new infections were recently recorded, alongside approximately 12,600 deaths attributed to the virus.
The theme for the 2025 World AIDS Day celebration is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
