From 15-17 October 2024, key stakeholders gathered to assess the progress and challenges of the National Paediatric HIV Strategic Plan for Ghana (2022-2026). Led by the National AIDS Control Program (NACP), the review brought together government representatives, civil society organizations, and development partners to discuss the current state of paediatric HIV care and identify strategic actions to improve outcomes for children living with HIV.
The Program Manager of NACP, Dr. Ayisi Addo, opened the discussions with a critical reflection on a glaring contradiction: while children constitute about 5% of people living with HIV in Ghana, the country struggles to reach and support all of them. “Are we committed to the future generation?” the Program Manager asked, emphasizing the urgent need to translate aspirational targets into concrete actions. He further noted that paediatric HIV had become a political issue, demanding fresh approaches to ensure that the 2026 goals are met. Among the proposed initiatives is a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Ghana, underscoring the importance of documenting and preserving the nation’s success stories while ensuring children’s needs remain central.
Despite these milestones, challenges persist, particularly in generating quality data on pediatric HIV. Inaccurate or insufficient data hinders effective planning, and the limited visibility of paediatric-specific HIV issues makes it difficult to create targeted interventions. As such, stakeholders agreed that a data-driven, evidence-based strategic document is essential to guide future efforts to eliminate new HIV infections among children and reduce HIV-related deaths.
Moreover, several participants highlighted the complexities of paediatric HIV, including the social realities faced by children living with HIV (CLHIV). One story shared during the review illustrated the plight of a grandmother who struggles to care for her grandchild on ART, underscoring the non-clinical factors that impact treatment adherence and outcomes. This example reflects the diverse challenges faced by CLHIV and their families, further complicating Ghana’s efforts to meet its pediatric HIV targets.
Alarmingly, Ghana contributes to 90% of new pediatric HIV infections in West and Central Africa. The review acknowledged that this stark statistic underscores the need for Ghana’s Pediatric HIV Strategic Plan, which aims to ensure all CLHIV are identified and initiated on treatment. This goal is aligned with the global 95-95-95 targets, which aim to have 95% of people living with HIV diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression by 2025.
In response to these challenges, an Emergency Response Plan will be launched from October 2024 through December 2026. The plan focuses on strengthening paediatric health systems, building healthcare capacity, intensifying sensitization efforts, and enhancing monitoring and implementation. Additionally, generating demand for HIV testing and improving retention in care are key priorities.
The mid-term review has set the stage for bold actions, and with a united approach, Ghana aims to exceed its targets and significantly reduce paediatric HIV infections by the end of the strategic plan’s term.