The silent HIV threat among children

A medical screening exercise at Dormaa Akwamu in the Bono Region last Tuesday, which revealed that 16 out of 253 children tested positive for HIV, is sobering.

It points to the fact that despite decades of global effort, HIV remains a public health concern that demands sustained vigilance—especially when it affects children, the most vulnerable segment of society. (See story on page 45)

Beyond the immediate health implications, an HIV diagnosis carries profound personal, social and economic consequences.

For a child, it can mean a lifetime of strict adherence to antiretroviral therapy, periodic clinical reviews and the psychological burden of living with a chronic condition.

Without proper support, these children may face stigma, isolation and diminished self-worth—factors that can undermine their development and prospects.

At the household level, the impact can be equally distressing.

Families may struggle with the cost of care, transportation to health facilities and the emotional strain of managing a chronic illness.

In communities where misconceptions about HIV persist, affected families may also endure discrimination, further compounding their hardship.

On a broader scale, HIV has long been recognised as a socio-economic challenge. It can reduce productivity, strain health systems and divert limited resources from other development priorities.

In the case of children, the long-term implications are even more significant, as the nation risks losing productive human capital if adequate interventions are not sustained.

Globally, the fight against HIV has seen remarkable progress since the early days when it was widely regarded as a death sentence.

Scientific advancements, coupled with coordinated efforts by organisations such as the World Health Organisation and UNAIDS, have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition.

Today, individuals who adhere to treatment can live long, productive lives.

Ghana has not been left behind in this progress.

Through the leadership of the Ghana AIDS Commission and the Ghana Health Service, the country has expanded access to testing, counselling and treatment services.

Public education campaigns have also improved awareness and reduced stigma to some extent.

The integration of HIV services into primary health care has further enhanced accessibility.

The Daily Graphic, however, notes that the current global landscape presents new challenges.

Funding for HIV programmes is under pressure as donor priorities shift and global economic uncertainties persist.

Many countries, including Ghana, rely significantly on external support for HIV interventions.

Any reduction in funding, therefore, threatens to reverse gains made over the years, particularly in prevention, testing and treatment coverage.

In this context, the Dormaa Akwamu case reinforces the urgency of rethinking strategies.

The Daily Graphic is thus of the opinion that there must be renewed emphasis on prevention, especially among children and adolescents.

The country must strengthen sexuality education, parental guidance and community engagement to address risky behaviours and misconceptions.

Again, the health authorities must intensify early detection through regular screening.

The fact that some children were unaware of their status until the recent exercise highlights gaps in routine testing.

Community-based initiatives, such as the one organised by Obeyeyie Care, should be encouraged and replicated nationwide.

Furthermore, stigma reduction must remain central to the response.

Children living with HIV deserve compassion, not rejection. We charge society to move beyond outdated perceptions and embrace a more informed and humane approach.

Importantly, the role of both state and non-state actors cannot be overstated.

The government must demonstrate strong political will by increasing domestic funding for HIV programmes and ensuring efficient use of available resources. Policies must prioritise vulnerable groups, particularly children.

At the same time, non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups, community leaders and private sector players have a crucial role to play.

We urge them to complement government efforts through outreach programmes, education campaigns and support services for affected individuals and families.

Innovation will also be key in the face of dwindling resources.

The country should leverage technology for awareness creation, integrate HIV services with other health programmes and foster public-private partnerships to help sustain progress.

We caution that while HIV is no longer the death sentence it once was, complacency would be costly.

The tears and anxiety witnessed at Dormaa Akwamu must serve as a call to protect our children from HIV.

With sustained commitment, collective responsibility and strategic investment, Ghana can continue to make strides towards controlling and ultimately ending the HIV scourge.