A groundbreaking development by the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) revealed that petty traders had the highest number of HIV positive cases in 2023, thanks to an innovative HIV self-testing Pilot Initiative.
This initiative, led by GHANET under the supervision of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP), Ghana Health Service (GHS), and Ministry of Health (MOH), aimed to improve HIV testing accessibility and identify high-risk populations.
The initiative, launched in July with support from then Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, received positive feedback for its proactive approach to tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With an initial batch of 140,000 testing kits from the NACP, GHANET distributed the kits strategically. Trained Community Based Organization (CBO) volunteers played a key role in distributing 123,088 kits to local communities in the informal sector, with an additional 16,912 kits designated for public events.
The distribution of testing kits covered over 50 different occupational categories, with students, petty traders, farmers, and individuals in unidentified occupations being the primary recipients. Petty traders, in particular, received 20,390 testing kits, highlighting their vulnerability to HIV transmission.
Following the distribution phase, the utilization of testing kits revealed the prevalence of HIV across various occupations. Petty traders accounted for 27.2% of the 239 confirmed positive cases, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions within the informal sector. Farmers and individuals with unidentified occupations followed with 12.1% and 13% positive cases, respectively.
The successful linkage of 202 positive cases to medical care underscores the importance of timely intervention and treatment access. Among the cases linked to care, petty traders constituted 25%, emphasizing the crucial role of healthcare provision within vulnerable occupational groups.
Despite the challenges posed by the high prevalence of HIV among petty traders, GHANET is committed to consolidating the gains made through the Pilot Initiative. By focusing on linking previously unidentified cases to treatment and engaging more stakeholders nationwide, GHANET aims to continue its efforts in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The HIV self-testing Pilot Initiative in Ghana has not only revealed a concerning trend but has also highlighted the significance of proactive testing and timely intervention.
By leveraging these insights and implementing targeted interventions, Ghana can make significant progress towards achieving its public health goals.
