The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) will begin rolling out a National HIV Prevention Policy in 2026, featuring innovative approaches such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). The initiative will focus on key vulnerable groups, particularly adolescent girls and boys, as well as young adults.
Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, Director General of the Commission, announced the development at an integrated medical outreach programme in Sunyani hosted by the First Lady, Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama.
He added that a National Condom and Lubricants Strategy would also take effect to strengthen HIV prevention efforts nationwide.
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The outreach, organised by the First Lady’s office in partnership with the GAC and the Bono Regional Coordinating Council, aimed to promote early detection, prevention, and integrated health services tailored to adolescents, mothers, and the wider community.
Dr Akanbong noted that the Bono Region was selected due to its high HIV burden, recording a prevalence rate of 2.22%, well above the national average of 1.49%, according to the 2024 National and Sub-national HIV Estimates.
He stressed that community outreach initiatives were essential in bringing essential health services closer to vulnerable populations.
Bono Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, said such outreach activities were critical to public health and combating rising HIV infections in the region. He emphasised the need for intensified awareness creation, early testing and reinforced collective action toward achieving an HIV-free generation.
Beneficiaries of the outreach accessed free services such as HIV testing and counselling, as well as screening for malaria, tuberculosis, cervical cancer, hepatitis B, diabetes, hypertension, breast cancer and syphilis. Public education on nutrition, condom use and family planning was also provided.
