A Review of National Programme Data on the HIV Epidemic in Ghana: 2005-2010

Abstract

Introduction: Enormous national efforts have gone into combating the HIV epidemic in Ghana. This study reviewed data from the National AIDS/STI Control Programme over the period 2005-2010, in terms of time, place and person characteristics of the epidemic.
It focused on past and current efforts at combating the epidemic and what future efforts are required.
Methods: It was a descriptive review of data from HIV sentinel surveys (HSS) and annual reports of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP) from 2005 to 2010. The review was conducted in 2011. The analysis described reported HIV and AIDS cases in the
general population, median prevalence of HIV among pregnant women (15-49years), and AIDS related mortalities. Also, number of clients on ART, and those lost to follow up was analyzed. These characteristics were disaggregated by sex, age groupings, location and
by administrative regions. Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, Korle-Bu,
Accra, Ghana.
Results: The review demonstrated an increasing trend in the annual new HIV+ cases. However, the median HIV prevalence amongst pregnant women over the period was declining. There were clear age and regional or urban/rural differences in HIV prevalence
in the country. National coverage for ART was 26% in 2009 and 35.2% in 2010. Number of clients on ART lost to follow up increased over the period, especially from 2008 onwards; it was 4.9% in 2008 and 9.2% in 2009. Over the entire review period (2005-2010), number of patients lost to follow up was over a hundred fold.
Conclusion: Ghana has made good progress in combating the HIV and AIDS epidemic, however there are challenges. National coverage of ART was low, and patients lost to follow up were high. The unmet need for ART though comparable to that of other
African countries, poses major challenges to Ghana’s quest to reverse the HIV epidemic. Policy measures to increase ART coverage and limit loss-to-follow up are still paramount.