The Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate (TMHD) in Ghana has reported an increase in new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in 2023 compared to the previous year. According to the Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV Coordinator for the TMHD, Joana Anorkor Lartey, there were 783 new HIV infections in 2023, with 297 males and 486 females, as opposed to 603 cases recorded in 2022.
Ms. Lartey highlighted that 757 cases out of the 2023 figure were linked to care within the period, indicating the importance of early detection and treatment. She attributed the rise in HIV-positive cases to the various free testing programs organized by her team in communities throughout the year. These initiatives aimed to identify cases that could have otherwise been missed, emphasizing the importance of public participation in such screenings to know their status.
Furthermore, Ms. Lartey encouraged individuals to request a free self-test kit from healthcare facilities to conduct HIV tests independently. She emphasized that knowing one’s status was not a death sentence but an opportunity to start treatment early for those who tested positive.
In addition to the increase in HIV infections, the TMHD also registered a total of 154 Tuberculosis cases in the metropolis in 2023, with 47 of them being pediatric TB cases. Ms. Lartey mentioned that out of the 154 TB cases, 129 were presumed cases from out-patient department attendants who tested positive, indicating the importance of regular screenings in healthcare settings.
While the TMHD was able to achieve most of its objectives for the year, including creating awareness about TB and HIV, Ms. Lartey acknowledged some challenges faced by the team. These challenges included funding constraints for monitoring and supervision, lack of motivation among staff, and delays in report submissions.
Ms. Lartey expressed gratitude to various stakeholders, including the Ghana News Agency, Obonu FM, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, for their support in reaching out to the public with the TB/HIV message and screening programs. The collaborative efforts of these organizations have contributed to raising awareness and promoting early detection and treatment of HIV and TB in the community.
