*GHANA AIDS COMMISSION CALLS FOR STRONGER HIV PREVENTION AS HIV-1 AND HIV-2 REMAIN A PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN*

The Ghana AIDS Commission has urged the public to take HIV prevention seriously, stressing the importance of protecting oneself against HIV infection. Madam Rita Afriyie, Technical Coordinator for Greater Accra at the Technical Support Unit of the Ghana AIDS Commission, explained that there are two major types of Human Immunodeficiency Virus—HIV-1 and HIV-2. She noted that HIV-1 is the most common type globally, while HIV-2 is more prevalent in West Africa. She added that some individuals can have both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections. Madam Afriyie cautioned that co-infection with HIV-1 and HIV-2 can present additional challenges in treatment and may require healthcare professionals to consider appropriate medication options. She therefore encouraged the public to prioritise HIV prevention rather than waiting until infection occurs before seeking treatment. According to her, effective prevention remains critical to reducing the spread of HIV and supporting Ghana’s efforts to end the HIV epidemic. Madam Afriyie further appealed to the public to make informed and responsible choices and take the necessary steps to protect themselves from HIV infection. She reaffirmed the Ghana AIDS Commission’s commitment to intensifying public education and prevention campaigns as part of efforts to reduce new HIV infections in the country.