GHANET Encourages Youth and Men in Bongo to Embrace HIV Self-Testing

In a concerted effort to bolster awareness and tackle the spread of HIV in the Bongo District of the Upper East region, the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) has embarked on a mission to engage the region’s youth and men through HIV self-testing initiatives.

Mr. Patrick Anamoo, the National Publicity Officer for GHANET, underscored the invaluable nature of good health in enhancing one’s quality of life. Stressing the importance of frequent self-testing for the youth, he highlighted Ghana’s commitment to the UNAIDS Goals 95-95-95, aiming to diagnose 95% of HIV-positive individuals, provide therapy for 95% of those diagnosed, and achieve viral suppression for 95% of those treated by 2030.

Recognizing the crucial need to reach at-risk demographics and bridge gaps in HIV testing, Mr. Anamoo emphasized the significance of self-testing. He highlighted its benefits, including privacy, confidentiality, convenience, rapid results, and the empowerment it offers individuals.

This initiative unfolded during a health walk in Bongo, a collaborative effort by the United Brothers Association of Bongo, GHANET, and the Bongo District Directorate of the Ghana Health Service. This initiative falls under the purview of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP), undertaken in partnership with the Ghana Health Service and the Ghana-West African Programme to Combat AIDS and STIs (WAPCAS).

The health walk aimed to foster an understanding of the importance of health while educating participants on utilizing the OraQuick HIV self-test. OraQuick, an approved test kit that uses oral fluid to detect HIV antibodies, was demonstrated by Mr. Thomas Abulmoo, an Antiretroviral Therapy Nurse at the Bongo District Hospital.

Through detailed instructions, participants learned how to conduct an HIV self-test using OraQuick. Mr. Abulmoo elucidated that a single line on the test indicates a non-reactive (negative) result, while two lines signify a reactive (positive) outcome, requiring further confirmation at a health facility.

To bolster the initiative, OraQuick self-test kits and condoms were distributed among participants. Mr. Prosper A-ura, President of the United Brothers Association of Bongo, urged the youth to prioritize their health and undergo HIV testing, emphasizing the adage, “health is wealth.”

Reflecting on the project’s progress, Mr. Donatus Adua Awine, a volunteer, highlighted a notable shift in attitude among the youth toward self-testing. Initially hesitant, they’ve now embraced it, leading to an impressive uptake of testing kits.

While celebrating the increased participation, logistical challenges in reaching remote areas persist. Despite these hurdles, the initiative has already resulted in two individuals being connected to care and five reported reactive cases. Efforts are underway to facilitate their visit to health facilities for confirmatory examinations.

Source: By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog GNA