National Strategic Plan

Donor

Ghana AIDS Commission

Period

June 2015 – March 2016

Location

Eastern Region

Results

We educated and sensitized over 81,123 people on HIV and AIDS and STIs.
Conducted 6376 HIV testing and counselling, referred 198 suspected persons to health facilities for further evaluation, out of which 21 HIV positive cases were confirmed.

Knowledge on HIV and AIDS has increased and stigmatization against people living with HIV and their relatives has also reduced among the general population.

Situation Problem

According to the HIV Sentinel Survey report (2014), the Eastern region recorded the highest HIV prevalence of 3.7% against the national prevalence of 1.6%, a situation that is very worrying. The majority of infections are within the age group 15-49 yrs. Within the Eastern region, there are multiple factors affecting the spread of HIV. These include a low-risk perception of HIV; low availability and usage of condoms among the general population and among female sex workers with their non-paying partners; stigma and discrimination; limited uptake of PMTCT services; low levels of sexual and reproductive health education; a high prevalence of Female Sex Workers (FSWs); Concurrent sexual partners; a high presence of truck drivers and their mates along the Accra-Kumasi-Burkina Faso route; the high presence of illegal miners in the region, and limited uptake of HIV testing and counseling services in the Eastern region.

Response Solution

Informed, educated, and sensitized the general population through peer education (one-on-one and small group discussions), community workshops, drama performances, and HIV testing and counseling services.

This was aimed at reducing new HIV infection, stigma, and discrimination against people living with HIV as well as preventing mother-to-child transmission. The project was implemented in Seven Administrative districts of the Eastern Region; namely Akuapem South, Nsawam/Adoagyiri, Upper West Akim, West Akim, Ayensuano, Suhum, and East Akim.