In 2023, there were 783 new cases of HIV infections reported by the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate (TMHD), up from 603 cases in 2022.
According to Joana Anorkor Lartey, the TMHD’s coordinator for HIV and tuberculosis (TB), the 2023 figure was 297 males and 486 females, but the 2022 figure was 263 males and 340 females. Lartey made this revelation in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
According to her, 757 of the estimated 2023 new HIV infections were connected to care at that time.
According to Ms. Lartey, the numerous free testing events her organization conducted throughout the year in various neighborhoods may have contributed to the rise in HIV-positive cases.
She stressed that by using these programs, cases that could have gone unnoticed were identified, and she encouraged the public to take advantage of these screenings to find out their status.
According to Ms. Lartey, individuals can also ask the various facilities for a free self-test kit so they can test themselves.
According to the TB and HIV Coordinator, finding out one’s status does not mean one is doomed; rather, it presents a chance for people who test positive to begin treatment as soon as possible.
Of the 154 instances of tuberculosis (TB), 129 were suspected cases from OPD attendants who were tested and the results were positive, indicating that the OPD was one of the markers for screening for possible cases of TB.
She claimed that despite some difficulties, her organization was able to accomplish the majority of its goals for the year, which included raising community awareness of HIV and TB and stepping up casework through weekly home visits and monthly screenings.
She listed the difficulties as being the lack of resources for oversight and monitoring, some employees’ lack of enthusiasm for their jobs, and the late submission of reports.
She expressed her gratitude to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Obonu FM, the GNA, and other stakeholders for helping her unit spread awareness of TB and HIV and for providing screenings.
