Health Minister highlights high HIV/AIDS rates among prison inmates

Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye has raised concerns about the rising  HIV/AIDS prevalence rates among certain high-risk groups in Ghana, particularly prison inmates. Despite Ghana’s commendable national HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 1.53%, one of the lowest in Africa, prison inmates exhibit an alarmingly higher rate of 2.3%.

Dr. Okoe-Boye emphasized that other high-risk groups also show elevated prevalence rates: people who use and inject drugs, female sex workers, clients with sexually transmitted infections, men who have sex with men, and transgender women. National intervention programs specifically target these groups to reduce their infection rates.

The minister made these remarks while leading a delegation from the Society of AIDS in Africa to a meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House. The visit was part of the Society’s assessment of Ghana’s bid to host the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) 2025, competing against South Africa.

In his presentation, Dr. Okoe-Boye provided a comprehensive update on Ghana’s HIV/AIDS management, highlighting both significant achievements and ongoing challenges. He noted a consistent decline in new HIV infections, from 18,930 in 2020 to 17,774 in 2023, with projections suggesting a further decrease to 9,020 by 2025. Additionally, AIDS-related deaths have dropped significantly, with an estimated 12,480 deaths in 2023—a 70.6% reduction from previous years.

Key interventions, such as the prevention of mother-to-child transmission and HIV testing services, remain central to Ghana’s strategy. These efforts have been instrumental in the country’s success in managing the epidemic and improving public health outcomes.

President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude for the Health Minister’s detailed update and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating HIV/AIDS. He praised the progress made and stressed the importance of sustained efforts and targeted interventions to further reduce infection rates and enhance the lives of those affected by the disease.

In a notable development, Ghana has been shortlisted alongside South Africa to host the ICASA 2025 Conference. Dr. Okoe-Boye urged President Akufo-Addo to advocate for Ghana’s selection, citing the economic benefits and international recognition that hosting such an event would bring. With an expected attendance of about 10,000 participants, the conference would attract global attention and boost local tourism and economic activities.

Dr. Okoe-Boye expressed confidence in Ghana’s readiness to host the event, pointing to the exemplary work of the Ghana AIDS Commission and the National AIDS Control Program under the Ghana Health Service. He assured President Akufo-Addo that the necessary facilities and infrastructure are in place.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized the government’s dedication to the fight against HIV/AIDS, noting that the AIDS Commission, chaired by himself and previous presidents, underscores the high priority given to this issue. He also introduced key officials, including the Health Minister, the Presidential Advisor on Health, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, and the Chief of Staff, commending their historic and exemplary service.