According to ghana news agency:aharan Africa, despite the global advancements in HIV response. He pointed out that the UNAIDS global 95-95-95 targets offer a strategic path to ending AIDS by 2030, yet Ghana continues to face substantial hurdles. He referred to the 2024 Ghana AIDS Commission report, which revealed that out of 334,721 people living with HIV (PLHIV), only 68 percent were aware of their status, 47 percent were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and just 42 percent had achieved viral suppression. "These gaps in the treatment cascade threaten the achievement of epidemic control," he stated.
Prof. Tarkang stressed that reaching the 95-95-95 targets necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing HIV testing, ART adherence, viral suppression, and HIV-related stigma and discrimination (SAD). He argued that interventions based on behavioral science theories are more effective than those lacking a theoretical basis. He elaborated on how models like the Health Belief Model (HBM), Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) could inform the design of effective interventions. He cited several studies conducted across Ghana that utilized these theories to enhance HIV testing uptake, ART adherence, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) practices, and stigma reduction, emphasizing the need to address stigma at individual, community, and institutional levels.
"Stigma and discrimination undermine treatment adherence and access to testing. To end AIDS by 2030, SAD must be tackled head-on," he asserted, referencing the Ubuntu concept as a culturally grounded approach to fortifying compassion, community support, and dignity for PLHIV. According to him, ending AIDS in Ghana is feasible if interventions specifically targeting the behavioral constructs are proven to influence outcomes. "Focusing on theoretical constructs that show no significant influence will be counterproductive," he added.
The Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Prof. Lydia Aziato, who chaired the event, praised Prof. Tarkang for a lecture that demonstrated depth, relevance, and practical value for public health interventions. She underscored the importance of integrating qualitative and quantitative research methods, conducting comprehensive situation analyses before implementing interventions, and applying multiple behavioral theories to ensure a good fit for public health programming. Prof. Aziato also reflected on the significance of culturally grounded concepts such as Ubuntu, which promote kindness, empathy, and harmonious community living, values she deemed essential for healthcare delivery and health promotion. She urged faculty and researchers to maintain accountability, noting that research grants and academic titles come with responsibilities.
"Prof. Tarkang has shown that it is possible to rise through the ranks with evidence and excellence. His professorship is comparable to any in the world," she remarked. The event saw the presence of traditional leaders, family and friends, Deans, faculty members, UHAS Council representatives, students, and other dignitaries who conveyed goodwill messages, commendations, and citations in honor of Prof. Tarkang. The ceremony celebrated not only his academic accomplishments but also his contributions to HIV research, public health advocacy, and internationalization efforts within UHAS.