Prioritize the Needs of Persons Living with HIV: A Call to Action for the President of Ghana and the New Director General of the GAC

By Richard Agodzo - NAP+ Ghana

Ghana stands at a critical juncture in its HIV response. As we transition into a new administration with a newly appointed Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), it is imperative to reflect on the realities facing persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and the broader national strategy to sustain and improve the response to the epidemic. The decisions made now will determine whether Ghana can meet its global commitments and protect the lives of thousands who depend on HIV-related healthcare and services.

The needs of persons living with HIV are best understood by those within the PLHIV community. HIV interventions must align with the realities of PLHIV, ensuring that their voices are at the heart of decision-making processes. Regardless of who is leading or implementing these interventions, they must be tailored to meet the diverse needs of PLHIVs across Ghana.

As PLHIV, we live with the virus, and the virus lives with us. Our experiences with antiretroviral therapy (ART) differ; our bodies react uniquely to treatment, and our responses to various regimens vary. This underscores the necessity of a community-led approach where PLHIVs are not just beneficiaries but active leaders and stakeholders in shaping the HIV response.

The Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+ Ghana) stands as the umbrella organization representing PLHIVs nationwide. With the recent change in government and the appointment of a new Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), we acknowledge that while we may not have direct influence over these selections, the new leadership must possess not only a strong medical background but also substantial expertise in national and global HIV/AIDS response strategies. This is crucial in ensuring that Ghana remains on track to achieve epidemic control while safeguarding the rights and health of PLHIVs.

The Devastating Consequences of an Executive Order on Ghana’s HIV Response

Our current times are particularly challenging for the global HIV/AIDS response. The executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, known as the "Mexico City Policy" or the "Global Gag Rule," imposes severe restrictions on foreign organizations receiving U.S. global health assistance. This policy, reinstated and expanded during his administration, prevents funding from going to any organization that provides or advocates for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion access, even if the funding for such services comes from other sources.

For Ghana, this has far-reaching consequences. The country’s HIV response relies heavily on international donors, including PEPFAR (the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) and USAID. These entities provide vital resources for HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services. Local NGOs such as EQUIP Health Ghana, SEND Ghana, and others depend on these funds to implement crucial programs aimed at reducing HIV infections and providing care for affected populations. The enforcement of the Global Gag Rule disrupts funding flows, resulting in program shutdowns, service interruptions, and job losses among healthcare providers and community health workers.

Furthermore, Ghana’s HIV response has historically depended on a combination of donor funds and government contributions. However, donor dependency has left the country vulnerable to policy shifts in donor nations. The consequences of this executive order are still being felt, as some programs have yet to recover, and funding gaps persist. Without a dedicated commitment from the Ghanaian government to increase domestic financing for HIV programs, the country risks regressing on its progress.

A Call to Action: The Way Forward for Ghana’s HIV Response

To the President of Ghana and the newly appointed Director General of GAC, we extend this plea:

Prioritize the Needs of PLHIVs: Without PLHIVs, there would be no need for the Ghana AIDS Commission. The Commission's existence and mandate revolve around ensuring that PLHIVs receive uninterrupted access to treatment, care, and support services. Therefore, addressing stockouts of antiretrovirals (ARVs), mitigating treatment interruptions, and improving access to holistic healthcare must be non-negotiable priorities.

Let Communities Lead: The global HIV response has long recognized the importance of community leadership in achieving epidemic control. UNAIDS' call to action, "Let Communities Lead," is not just a slogan but a fundamental strategy for sustainability and effectiveness. PLHIVs and community-led organizations must be at the centre of policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring.

Commit to 'Take the Rights Path': The UNAIDS World AIDS Day theme emphasizes the need for human rights-based approaches in HIV response efforts. PLHIVs continue to face stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers that hinder access to essential services. The Ghana AIDS Commission, under its new leadership, must strengthen advocacy for policies that protect the rights of PLHIVs and key populations.

Secure Sustainable HIV Funding: With the unpredictability of external donor funding, Ghana must take proactive measures to ensure sustainable financing for HIV programs. The government must increase budget allocations for HIV/AIDS, explore innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthen partnerships with the private sector to bridge funding gaps.

The Time to Act is Now

Ghana’s HIV response cannot afford to be reactive—it must be proactive, resilient, and community-driven. The legacy of the Global Gag Rule and its repercussions on the HIV response serve as a stark reminder that Ghana must take control of its destiny in the fight against HIV. Relying on external donors alone is unsustainable. The government must step up, invest in its people, and ensure that PLHIVs are never left behind.

To the new leadership at the Ghana AIDS Commission: your role is not merely administrative; it is a commitment to safeguarding lives. Your policies and decisions will determine whether Ghana progresses or regresses in its fight against HIV/AIDS. We urge you to engage with PLHIV communities, respect their lived experiences, and uphold the principles of equity, inclusion, and human rights.

Let us work together to ensure that Ghana’s HIV response is inclusive, community-led, and rights-based. The time for action is now!

#TakeTheRightsPath #LetCommunitiesLead #PrioritizePLHIVs #SustainHIVProgress