The Ghana AIDS Commission has identified the failure of couples to disclose their HIV status to each other as a major contributor to the rising HIV infection rates in the country.
According to Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Commission, the lack of disclosure among couples, combined with the discontinuation of medication by some HIV-positive individuals, are key factors driving the spike in infections.
“The fear of the husband or wife deserting them leads some not to disclose their status. Some are afraid their spouse may discover they are taking daily medication, leading them to hide or discontinue their medicines.”
Dr. Atuahene emphasised that women are disproportionately more susceptible to HIV infection than men, urging women to take proactive measures to protect themselves from contracting the virus.
He stressed the importance of women prioritising their health and well-being by getting tested regularly, practising safe sex, and adhering to treatment regimens if diagnosed with HIV.
“Women must be aware that they are more vulnerable and therefore they should protect themselves. The transmission rate from woman to man is just about 2% whereas it is more than 12 % for a man. That is why women should not gamble with their health and their lives by just accepting that ‘if he will give them more money to have sex without a condom it’s okay for me’.
“It shouldn’t be okay for you, especially when you might have the untreated sexually transmitted disease, that can also heighten the chance of you getting HIV,” he entreated.
“Dr. Atuahene elaborated that the mucous membrane lining the vagina is significantly more delicate and susceptible to irritation than its male counterpart, making women more prone to HIV infection due to the increased fragility of their genital tract tissue.
“When a female has sex with a man, penile sex and the man ejaculates, the sperm which might contain HIV particles may remain in her for quite some time, whereas that of the male you hardly can see that.
“Secondly, the surface area of the vagina is much wider than that of the male and thirdly the mucus membrane of the vagina is much more fragile than of the male.”
The Commission reported that in 2023, an estimated 334,095 people in Ghana were living with HIV, comprising:
– 115,891 males
– 218,204 females
Breaking down the demographics:
– Children under 14: 17,550
– Adolescents (10-19): 16,381
– Young adults (15-24): 33,245
– Adults (15 and older): 316,545