GHANET distributes 48,580 HIV test kits to men

The Ghana HIV and AIDs Network, (GHANET) has distributed 48, 580 HIV test kits to some men across its project operational areas.

The figure, represented 63 per cent of the total target distribution of 77,665.

Mrs. Victoria Araba Dennis, the Vice President of the Network, told the Ghana News Agency that the focus on men was a deliberate strategy aimed at increasing HIV testing uptake among men who generally exhibited poor health seeking behaviours.

She added that distribution by age saw clients between 20 and 24 receiving the highest proportion of the test kits, followed closely by those aged 25 to 29 and 30 to 34.

Also, 44 of the test kits were taken up by minors aged 0-14 years.

Mrs. Dennis said the above was done with parental request and consent.

She said majority of clients, representing 77.3 percent preferred unassisted testing, while 22.7 percent opted to be assisted.

The goal of the HIV Self-Testing was to allow individuals to independently test on their own thus the high figure was a plus to the project, Madam Dennis added.

Also, 46, 263 individuals who accessed testing were first timers with the remaining 31, 420 been repeat testers.

Making reference to last year’s performance, she noted that students continued to receive more kits underscoring the focus on younger, sexually active populations.

The Vice President expressed gratitude to the sponsors of the project, the Ministry of Health and other relevant institutions for the gains made so far.

She also appreciated the invaluable contributions of all implementing community-based organisations and the Secretariat.

Source: GNA

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