The Health Crescendos Foundation (HCF) has held a closing-out ceremony with the Ghana Armed Forces HIV/ AIDS Control Program (GAFACP) and the United States Department of Defence HIV/ AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP) at the 37 Military Hospital, marking the completion of a nine-year partnership aimed at strengthening HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care within the military community.
The meeting, held on Wednesday 23 September 2026, brought together key stakeholders to reflect on the achievements of the partnership and the gains made in the Ghana Armed Forces’ response to HIV/AIDS.
In her welcome remarks, the Officer-in-Charge of the Public Health Division of the 37 Military Hospital, Naval Captain Harriet Manu, said it was a pleasure to welcome participants to honour a partnership that had contributed significantly to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
She said the partnership with Health Crescendos Foundation had contributed immensely to the management of persons living with HIV/AIDS, particularly within the Ghana Armed Forces. She added that the collaboration had provided valuable learning opportunities for GAFACP and the 37 Military Hospital.
Naval Captain Manu expressed appreciation to Major Regina Akai-Nettey (Rtd) and assured her that the HIV/AIDS Control Programme remained committed to sustaining the gains achieved through the partnership.
Captain Joe Johnson of the United States Military Group at the United States Embassy, who represented the United States Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), said HCF, with funding from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and DHAPP, began supporting the Ghana Armed Forces nine years ago in its response to HIV/AIDS within the military community.
According to Captain Johnson, the partnership established systems for delivering HIV prevention, testing and treatment services; trained military medical personnel to lead the GAF’s HIV response; strengthened health infrastructure; and contributed to reducing HIV-related stigma within the ranks. He commended HCF for its commitment and contribution to advancing the partnership’s mission.
Major Regina Akai-Nettey (Rtd) of Health Crescendos Foundation delivered a presentation on the foundation, its operations within the military garrisons across the nation and the gains achieved through its support to GAFACP in addressing HIV/AIDS among military and civilian communities.
Highlighting some of the partnership’s achievements, Major Akai-Nettey identified the acquisition of the COBAS 5800 PCR testing machine as one of the accomplishments closest to her heart. The equipment is capable of conducting a range of tests, including HIV and DNA testing.
She described the COBAS 5800 as a lasting legacy of the partnership between HCF, DHAPP and the Ghana Armed Forces and appealed for continued prioritisation of HIV/AIDS-related services as the equipment is utilised.
Major Akai-Nettey (Rtd) also commended the partnership for building the capacity of military health personnel, strengthening health infrastructure, promoting HIV prevention and contributing to efforts to reduce HIV-related stigma within the military community and beyond.
The Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, Brigadier General Richard Mensah, in his closing remarks, said the partnership between HCF and the Ghana Armed Forces had successfully built the capacity of doctors, nurses, counsellors, laboratory scientists and peer educators, while improving HIV awareness, testing and prevention among troops and their dependants.
He also highlighted the establishment and strengthening of HIV clinics in beneficiary garrisons, which had improved access to early diagnosis, treatment and continuity of care. He noted that the provision of the COBAS 5800 PCR machine for viral load testing had further enhanced clinical services.
Brigadier General Mensah assured stakeholders that the 37 Military Hospital and the GAF HIV/AIDS Control Programme would sustain the gains made by maintaining the equipment and clinic infrastructure, while continuing data collection and surveillance through electronic medical records. He stressed that although project funding had ended, the mission to control HIV remained.
The closing-out meeting was attended by the Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, Heads of Department of the 37 Military Hospital, Chief Nursing Officers, OIC Public Health/Program Manager GAF HIV/AIDS Control Program, Deputy Program Manager GAF HIV/AIDS Control Program, staff of the Public Health Division, HIV focal persons from the wards, units, and departments, DHAPP representatives, and members of the Health Crescendos Foundation team.
