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🇬🇭 Ghana /Health & Science

No HIV cure yet; Ghana AIDS Commission urges strict adherence to treatment

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) stresses that there is no cure for HIV and urges individuals to adhere to antiretroviral treatment.
  • Only 57% of the estimated 337,435 people living with HIV in Ghana are currently on treatment, a coverage rate attributed to stigma and denial.
  • GAC plans to improve ARV accessibility and expand prevention interventions, including PrEP and PEP, to reduce new infections.

The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) is emphasizing that a cure for HIV remains elusive, strongly encouraging individuals diagnosed with the virus to consistently follow their antiretroviral (ARV) treatment regimens. This adherence is crucial for suppressing the virus and enabling people to live long, healthy lives.

ARTs are very effective. If you are consistent with it as prescribed, you are able to get to a stage where the virus is completely suppressed in your system.

— Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper AkanbongThe Director-General of GAC explained the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy in managing HIV.

Despite the high effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART), Ghana's treatment coverage is notably low. Currently, only 57 percent of the estimated 337,435 people living with HIV (PLHIV) are receiving treatment. Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, Director-General of GAC, identified self-denial, stigma, discrimination, and treatment discontinuation upon feeling better or turning to alternative remedies as key barriers to higher coverage.

Dr. Akanbong highlighted the critical role of ART in preventing HIV-related deaths, noting that over 13,000 deaths were averted in 2025 alone due to the treatment. He explained that consistent adherence to ART can lead to complete viral suppression. Modern HIV treatment options have become more convenient, with some patients able to take a single daily tablet, simplifying adherence.

If you are a hypertensive patient today, you take your tablet a day. If you are diabetic, you take a tablet a day. Why not an HIV patient who can take a tablet a day?

— Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper AkanbongDr. Akanbong urged PLHIV to view ART similarly to daily medications for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

To further improve access, GAC plans to make ARVs available through designated pharmacies and accredited facilities, allowing patients to obtain their medications more discreetly. The commission also aims to expand access to HIV prevention methods like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), alongside strengthening condom services to curb new infections. Dr. Akanbong urged Ghanaians to incorporate HIV testing into their regular health check-ups, reminding those living with HIV that feeling well does not signify a cure.

Responsible reporting can encourage people to test, promote health-seeking behaviour, increase awareness of HIV prevention options and support treatment adherence.

— Dr. Ekua HouphouetThe Country Director of AIDS Healthcare Foundation in Ghana emphasized the media's role in the national HIV response.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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