The Bono Regional Health Directorate has raised alarms over the escalating prevalence of HIV infections in the urban centers of the region.
According to the Directorate, specific areas such as Nkoranza South and Techiman Municipalities are grappling with a prevalence rate of approximately 3.8 percent, a figure surpassing the national average of 2.8 percent.
The Regional Director of Health, Dr. Fred Adomako, conveyed the Directorate’s apprehension during an interview with Citi News.
He shed light on the multifaceted approach his team is adopting to mitigate the spread of HIV in these areas.
One primary focus is on expanding accessibility to HIV tests, ensuring that individuals are aware of their status. Upon receiving a positive diagnosis, the Directorate is promptly initiating medical interventions to render the virus undetectable.
Dr. Adomako emphasized, “Once we achieve that, they are not able to transmit it.”
The strategy extends to the grassroots level, intending to address the issue at the community sub-district level. Utilizing community information systems, collaborating with religious institutions like churches and mosques, and engaging with various community groups are integral components of their approach.
As the Directorate delves into understanding the root causes of the surge in HIV infections, a comprehensive performance review is on the horizon. Dr. Adomako expressed the importance of effective communication during this review, aiming to disseminate crucial findings to the larger community.
The interventions undertaken by the Bono Regional Health Directorate underscore a commitment to tackling the HIV epidemic on multiple fronts, integrating testing, treatment, and community-level engagement to curb the transmission of the virus and enhance public health outcomes.