The Ashaiman Municipality has reported 298 new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections between January and October 2023.
The Director of Health Services for the Ashaiman Municipality, Mrs. Patience Ami Mamattah, revealed that out of the 298 new infections, 116 were males, and 182 were females.
Additionally, a total of 90 pregnant women tested HIV-positive during this period, with 86 successfully put on treatment.
Mrs. Mamattah emphasized the importance of HIV awareness creation and screening at public gatherings to combat stigmatization and discrimination against individuals living with HIV.
Mrs Mamattah “Someone living with HIV is just like you. Do not point fingers at persons living with HIV.”
The Director of Health Services for the Ashaiman Municipality emphasized the importance of knowing one’s HIV status, highlighting that quality of life is assured with the availability of treatment for those testing positive for HIV.
She urged pregnant women to willingly undergo testing and adhere to medications to prevent transmitting the virus to their unborn babies.
Additionally, she encouraged the public to practice safe sex by following the ‘ABC’ approach—abstaining, being with one partner, or using condoms—to protect against HIV.