Talk to your midwife with Sarah Nkansah BOATENG: HIV is still here and it’s closer than you think

HIV is still here. And it’s affecting more Ghanaians than many realize. In 2024 alone, 15,290 new HIV infections were recorded. Women made up two-thirds of these cases, with young women being especially vulnerable.

Today, about 334,721 people in Ghana are living with HIV and this includes over 18,000 children. That means, on average, 42 new infections happen every single day.

Despite these numbers, many still believe HIV is “no longer in our system.” This false sense of security delays testing and puts more lives at risk. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of HIV when the immune system is badly damaged.

HIV spreads through: Unprotected sex, Sharing needles or sharp objects, Mother-to-child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding (if preventive care is not taken).
NB: HIV does not spread through hugging, sharing food, or mosquito bites.

Why Are the Numbers Rising?

It is on the rise because it is clouded with Stigma and Silence. The fear of judgement keeps people from testing or seeking treatment. There is also low Awareness. Many do not know how HIV is spread or prevented. Women and adolescent girls are most affected due to social, cultural, and economic factors. there is Limited Prevention Services, that is, not everyone has access to condoms, pre-exposure medication, or safe testing. and finally prevention and treatment programs are affected by reduced donor support.

What Can We Do?

1. Test Regularly – Know your status. Early detection means better treatment and prevention. Self-test kits and mobile clinics are available in many areas.
   Practice Safe Sex – Use condoms consistently and correctly.
2. Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission – Pregnant women should attend antenatal care early. With proper medication, HIV-positive mothers can give birth to HIV-negative babies.
   4. Stay on Treatment – If you test positive, start antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately and take it consistently. This can reduce the virus to undetectable levels. Meaning you can’t pass it on.
   5. Fight Stigma – Talk openly about HIV. Support friends and family living with it. Silence kills; knowledge saves.

In conclusion, HIV is not gone. However, it is preventable, treatable, and manageable. The real danger is pretending it’s no longer here. The sooner we speak openly, test regularly, and protect ourselves, the sooner Ghana can reverse this trend. Your health is your responsibility, but your life matters to all of us. Get tested. Stay protected. Let’s fight HIV together.

The post Talk to your midwife with Sarah Nkansah BOATENG: HIV is still here and it’s closer than you think appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

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