By Racheal Kakraba
It is a bold and giant step in Ghana’s HIV fight. Although, gradually being scaled up, the success of HIV Self Testing is said to be overwhelming. For two years, it has been implemented among high-risk populations such as sex workers.
The intervention promotes more secure and confidential testing with immediate treatment. Already about 50 Districts, in endemic regions including Western and Central are already implementing this novelty in support of the HIV fight said to be a far-reaching measure to control the deadly disease.
Although there are no set clear estimates of targets to be captured under the programme, the clarion call from the Ghana AIDS Commission is for the public to patronize this service as it seeks to attain the UNAIDS targets of 95-95-95.
Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the disease. HIV targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the immune system. This makes it easier to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis, infections and in some cases cancers. According to the World Health Organization, HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed 40.1 million lives so far with ongoing transmission in all countries globally. Statistics from the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) which provides compilation of the world’s HIV/AIDS epidemic, indicate every two minutes in 2021, an adolescent girl or young woman is newly infected with HIV. The COVID-19 pandemic also led to disruptions to key HIV treatment and prevention services, pushing millions of girls out of school, and spikes in teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence. Director of Technical Services, Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Fred Nana Poku, provides current statistics on HIV prevalence in Ghana and says attention is key.
To reduce or eliminate HIV in the country, Ghana has adopted a UNAIDS target and policy, the 95-95-95, to be achieved by 2025. This means 95 percent of the population must test to know their HIV status. Again, 95 percent of those who test positive are to be placed on highly effective Antiretroviral therapy. And 95 percent of those placed on medication should achieve viral suppression.
As of June this year, statistics from the Ghana Aids Commission showed that the country has achieved 71.8 percent under the first 95, which is testing to know one’s status. It is also doing about 87.4 percent in placing patients under highly effective Antiretroviral therapy, whereas with regard to viral suppression which is the last 95, 68. 1 percent has been achieved. This is a progression the Commission describes as slow. It is therefore employing other interventions such as HIV Self Testing. Believed to be an effective preventive measure and gateway to treatment, it empowers people to know their status themselves. Dr. Poku speaks to the prospect of this innovation which is already being implemented in some regions and pharmacies nationwide.
Medical Laboratory Scientist, Dr, Dennis Adu Gyasi acknowledges that although Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits are generally good, there are, however, some concerns with storage. This, he says, when not critically addressed, can negatively affect integrity of the test kits.
An intervention such as HIV self-testing can only be a success with acceptance from the public. What does the general public make of HIV self-testing kits?
Although the test kits were initially free at public health facilities, however, it attracts a fee at participating private pharmacies. With no clear regulation of prices of products especially in the private sector, prices of the product may therefore differ. This is the reason the Director of Technical Services, Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Fred Nana Poku is looking forward to partnerships that promote fair pricing of the test kits.
HIV is one of the infectious diseases which requires a lot of psychological support before and after a test. How does this play in this new innovation of self-testing?
Aptly said by the experts’ use of the Rapid HIV Self-Test kits even when results are reactive requires about three other confirmatory tests. Remember whether positive or not, HIV is not a death sentence, therefore always seek help.
