By Michael Pepsin Avorgah
Aflao (V/R), June 29, GNA — The Ketu South Municipal Health Directorate has expressed concern over rising Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in the municipality, attributing the trend to high-risk social behaviours and cross-border movement.
Mr David Agbokpe, Municipal Health Director, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that recent surveillance data showed a steady increase in new HIV infections, describing the situation as a public health concern.
He said 13,738 people were screened for HIV in 2024, with 275 testing positive. In 2025, 18,790 people were tested and 300 cases were confirmed. Between January and June 2026, 7,908 people had been screened, with 194 testing positive, representing a positivity rate of about 2.45 per cent.
Mr Agbokpe attributed the rising infections to unprotected sex, multiple sexual partnerships and the high mobility of people within the border municipality.
He noted that night-time social activities, particularly during funeral rites in some communities, created environments that encouraged risky sexual behaviour among young people.
“Such gatherings, especially when they extend through the night, often lead to situations where individuals engage in unprotected sexual activities, increasing the risk of transmission,” he said.
The Health Director also cited pubs, drinking spots and entertainment centres that organised events attracting patrons from outside the municipality, including cross-border travellers and transport operators.
He said interactions involving people of unknown HIV status heightened the risk of transmission within the community.
“As a border municipality, we experience frequent movement of people across countries, and weekends are often characterised by intense social interactions, which can increase exposure if preventive measures are not adhered to,” he added.
Mr Agbokpe said the Directorate had intensified public education through community outreach, stakeholder engagements and local radio programmes to promote HIV prevention.
He added that Port Health Services had strengthened surveillance at border entry points to help monitor and control the spread of communicable diseases.
On prevention, he described abstinence as the most effective way to avoid HIV infection, while urging sexually active persons to use condoms consistently and correctly.
He also encouraged the public to undergo voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) to know their HIV status and seek early treatment where necessary, noting that early detection and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) improved health outcomes and reduced transmission.
Mr Agbokpe called on religious leaders, Assembly Members, youth groups and other community stakeholders to intensify HIV education and advocacy.
He stressed that collective action, behavioural change, and sustained public awareness were essential to reversing the rising trend and protecting public health in the municipality.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/AUdrey Dekalu
June 29, 2026