By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), April 18, GNA – The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has revealed that the Volta Region currently has 16,016 people living with HIV, with a prevalence rate of 1.35 per cent.
This, the Commission noted, meant that roughly two out of every 100 people in the region are HIV-positive.
This was disclosed by Mrs. Mary Naa Asheley Anyormi, the Technical Coordinator of the Commission in the region, during a stakeholder engagement with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) held in Ho on Wednesday April 16.
The session, led by the Acting Director-General of the GAC, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, aimed to strengthen preventive strategies and bolster the national HIV response through local collaboration.
Ms. Anyormi indicated that in 2023 alone, the Volta Region recorded 778 new infections, which represents 4.4 per cent of the national total. The national figure for new HIV infections stood at 17,774.
Breaking it down by demographics in the region, adult males 15 plus accounted for 230 cases, adult females 15 plus contributed, 468 cases, young people 15–24 years represented 214 cases, Children 0–14 years accounted for 80 cases
She said that although the regional prevalence remains at 1.35 per cent, certain districts have higher rates: Kpando: 2.08 per cent, Central Tongu: 1.6 per cent, North Tongu: 1.57 per cent
“When you look at places like Kpando, that’s nearly three in every 100 people living with HIV. These are alarming figures we need to address urgently,” Ms. Anyomi said.
The antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage for the region, across all ages, currently stands at 57.1 per cent. For adults aged 15 and above, coverage is at 58 per cent, while for children (0–14), it is 41.5 per cent.
To help close the gap, she noted that the Commission is intensifying education using local radio stations and Community Information Centers (CICs). Each district has a focal person tasked with playing HIV awareness jingles and organizing education programs.
Additionally, the Commission is partnering with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to conduct HIV education in senior high schools, starting with Mawuli SHS and Mawuko SHS in January 2024. The programme will soon expand to cover all SHSs and technical schools in the region.
“We are not waiting for young people to contract HIV before we act. Prevention is our focus—if they are informed early, they can make the right choices,” Mrs. Anyormi stated.
She added that major festivals and public gatherings are used as platforms for education and testing, noting that mass testing is critical to achieving the 95-95-95 global target—ensuring 95 per cent of people with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those are on treatment, and 95 per cent have suppressed viral loads.
Dr. Kharmacelle Akanbong, in an interview with GNA, said the national total of 17,774 new infections in 2023 is a cause for concern, particularly among youth in mining areas and drug users who engage in risky behavior due to impaired judgment.
“We are worried about new infections, especially among young people in gold mining areas and those using drugs. They have money, but the risky lifestyles are driving new cases,” he said.
He also highlighted that some HIV-positive mothers fail to return for treatment, increasing the chances of mother-to-child transmission, which remains a significant contributor to new infections among children.
“Every pregnant woman must be tested and given access to preventive care to avoid infecting their unborn children,” Dr. Akanbong emphasised.
Looking at 2024 data so far, he indicated a slight increase in prevalence, but said with targeted interventions, the Commission is confident of a steady decline in new infections.
As the region gears up for Easter festivities, Ms. Anyormi issued a strong warning to young people about risky sexual behaviors, reminding them that HIV is still a serious threat.
“HIV is not a thing of the past. It is still with us. The smartest thing to do is either abstain or protect yourself. Like we say—if it’s not on, it’s not in,” she said.
She emphasised that 80 per cent of HIV transmissions in Ghana are through unprotected sex, urging individuals to take personal responsibility.
“You cannot tell someone’s HIV status by looking at their face. Everyone must take steps to protect themselves—especially during festivals and social events,” she warned.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to achieving epidemic control by 2030, with strong partnerships, increased public awareness, and improved access to care as key strategies moving forward.
GNA
MA/BM