The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has reiterated that no cure for HIV exists, urging all persons diagnosed with the virus to remain on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress the virus and maintain Healthy lives. Despite the proven effectiveness of ART, treatment coverage in Ghana remains low, with only 57 per cent of the estimated 337,435 people living with HIV currently accessing medication.
Speaking at a recent capacity-building workshop organised by the commission in collaboration with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Director-General Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong attributed the coverage gap to self-denial, stigma, and discrimination. He noted that many patients discontinue treatment once they begin to feel healthy, while others turn to prayer camps or herbal remedies as alternatives.
“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 Akanbong said. He highlighted that more than 13,000 HIV-related deaths were averted through treatment in 2025 alone.
Modern HIV treatment has become more convenient, with many patients now requiring only a single combination tablet daily. Dr Akanbong compared this regimen to the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, urging patients to view daily ART with the same normalcy.
“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?” he asked.
To improve access and privacy, the GAC plans to distribute antiretrovirals through designated pharmacies and other accredited facilities. The commission also intends to expand prevention interventions, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), while strengthening condom services to curb new infections.
Dr Akanbong encouraged Ghanaians to make HIV testing a routine part of health checks and warned against stopping treatment due to the absence of symptoms. “There is hope in ART treatment. There is hope for a long life. There is hope to live healthy and live your God-given life,” he said.
AHF Country Director Dr Ekua Houphouet underscored the media’s critical role in advancing the national HIV response. She said responsible reporting can encourage testing, promote health-seeking behaviour, increase awareness of prevention options, and support treatment adherence.
