Ghana AIDS Commission reports rising HIV infections in Western Region

The Ghana AIDS Commission has reported that approximately 23,000 people are currently living with HIV in the Western Region, with an average of three new infections recorded daily. Data indicates that Sekondi-Takoradi carries the highest burden in the region with over 4,000 cases, while Mpohor has the lowest at approximately 900.

Health officials expressed particular concern regarding the 15 to 24 age demographic. New infections among this group account for 30 per cent of the national data on new infections. Francis Antonio, the Acting Western Regional Technical Coordinator, warned that failing to curb transmission through effective treatment and prevention could jeopardize Ghana’s goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

To address the epidemic, the Commission is expanding preventive strategies. These include promoting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for sexually active individuals and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for those seeking intervention within 72 hours of potential exposure. Experts also emphasized the importance of regular voluntary testing and reducing social stigma to improve viral suppression and testing rates.