Delays in receiving HIV test results and persistent misconceptions about how the virus spreads are raising concerns about Ghana’s efforts to improve HIV services and tackle stigma against people living with the virus.
The concerns emerged at the launch of the Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) initiative for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria services, organised by AngloGold Ashanti (AGAMAL).
AGAMAL’s Head of Programmes, Malik Kofi Assan, said the initiative would help identify gaps in healthcare delivery and strengthen accountability in services for the three diseases.
He cited the organisation’s first-quarter data analysis, which showed an increase in HIV testing but persistent delays in returning results to clients.
“We have done our first-quarter data analysis. There are some key things that are evident. One of them is HIV testing. More people go for testing, but the results do not come early,” he said.
Mr Assan said community-led monitoring would allow people to assess the quality of healthcare services, identify challenges and engage relevant authorities to improve service delivery.
HIV misconceptions persist
Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana AIDS Commission, Isaiah Doe Kwao, raised concerns about misinformation surrounding HIV transmission, warning that misconceptions could fuel stigma and discrimination.
He said some people wrongly believe that mosquito bites can transmit HIV, while others misunderstand the role of lubricants in preventing infection.
“There are still misconceptions about how people get HIV/AIDS. People mistakenly believe that when you use lubrication, it helps prevent HIV/AIDS. People still believe a mosquito bite can give HIV,” he said.
Mr Kwao stressed the need for reliable public education to correct such beliefs and protect people living with HIV from discrimination.
He clarified that HIV cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites and urged intensified efforts to ensure the public has accurate information about the virus.
Lubricants do not, on their own, prevent HIV infection. Their role depends on the type of lubricant and how it is used; HIV prevention requires appropriate measures, including condoms and, where suitable, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Communities to monitor healthcare services
The Community-Led Monitoring initiative is expected to empower communities to identify gaps in HIV, tuberculosis and malaria services and engage service providers and relevant authorities to address them.
It also aims to improve accountability and ensure that people accessing care receive timely, quality and responsive healthcare.
The concerns raised at the launch highlight the importance of addressing both weaknesses in service delivery and misinformation as part of efforts to improve health outcomes and reduce stigma against people living with HIV.