By: Nana Achiaa Aboagye
In Accra on Wednesday, Ghana launched a new HIV self-testing (HIVST) program. HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) is one of the newest innovations in the range of strategies to encourage all to know their HIV status.
The Ghana AIDS Commission, says from its records, more than 350,000 persons are living with HIV. However, only about 71% of them are aware of their status. The remaining 29%, consequently, pose a major concern as they may, unknowingly, be spreading the virus.
Around the world, it is estimated that only about 70 percent of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) are aware of their status.
The introduction of HIVST has been welcomed by experts as a potential game-changer in scaling up HIV testing services. HIV self-testing (HIVST) therefore, seeks to make it easier and more convenient for people to get tested for HIV. The HIVST is similar to a malaria or pregnancy test done at home and the results known within 20 minutes. Already, some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa including South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Nigeria, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroun, among others, have rolled out HIVST initiatives.
The Sales Manager for the producers of oraquick HIVST, Mr. Joseph Oerson demonstrated how the test kits work. He said the oral HIVST using OraQuick HIV Self-Test, involves the swabbing of the upper and lower gums with an oral swab test stick and dipping the stick in a test tube solution. Next, wait 20 minutes and then read the results.
He said If a single line appears on the test stick, it shows that the result is negative. Also If two lines appear, it shows that the result is reactive which is one needs to go a health facility for a confirmation test. Users are not supposed to eat, drink or use oral products such as mouthwash or toothpaste that is 30 minutes before taking the test.
The Programme Manager for the National AIDS/STI Control Programme, Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo said implementation has began in Ghana to support a KP-led approach and accelerate progress towards the 95-95-95 goals.
He mentioned that today lay persons can receive and test themselves without the
presence and direct supervision of any health care worker in the comfort of their confidential space and get within 20 minutes using the HIV Self-test kits with either blood sample or oral mucosal transudate.
He added that HIVST is a triage test to complement the routine test conducted by the trained service provider. Hence a reactive HIVST must be confirmed by the routine algorithm using three different tests in series before a person is declared HIV positive.
The Minister for Health, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu encouraged Ghanaians to support the deployment of the HIV Self-Testing Kits program countrywide.
He, therefore, urged all Ghanaians to take advantage of this opportunity and get tested. He said we should work hand in hand to reduce the number of new infections, ensure access to treatment for all who need it, and ultimately strive towards an HIV-free generation. He reiterated that as we launch the HIV Self-Testing kits, we must recommit ourselves to promoting a culture of compassion, understanding, and non-discrimination.
Adding that as key stakeholders, we are obliged to foster an environment where individuals living with HIV and AIDS are embraced, rather than stigmatized. It is through unity and solidarity that we will overcome this challenge. He said let’s seize this moment and make a lasting impact on the lives of our people. Together, we can achieve our vision of a Ghana where every citizen can enjoy good health and well-being for national development.
He emphasized that government remains committed to ensuring the availability of HIV test kits in health facilities and communities to ensure all persons living with HIV test to know their status.
From the year 2021, Government has procured almost $10 million worth of HIV test kits (specifically 9,859,082.82) to strengthen HIV case finding among the general population, pregnant women and key populations. Government continues to liaise with Partners to support HIV testing in the country. In this regard, the Global Fund has provided over $ 9 million for the procurement of HIV test kits in 2023.
The program had the theme “Test Yourself: Know Your Status” and coordinated by the National Planning Committee (NPC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Global Fund led by GHANET.
