The Ghana AIDS Commission’s Western Regional Office has reported an estimated 23,904 individuals living with HIV in the region.
The Western Regional Technical Coordinator of the Commission, Mr. Dramani Yakubu, revealed this information in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi.
He further shared that the region recorded approximately 1,101 new HIV infections last year, resulting in a prevalence rate of 1.63 percent.
“This is a major concern for the Commission and its partners, because it means out of every 100 people in the region, about two of them are living with HIV,” he said.
Mr. Yakubu expressed concern about the rising trend of HIV infections and cautioned the public against engaging in activities that increase the risk of contracting the virus. He emphasized the importance of taking preventive measures to curb the spread of HIV.
Encouraging public awareness and proactive health practices, Mr. Yakubu urged individuals to utilize self-testing initiatives and voluntarily undergo HIV testing. Knowing one’s status promptly enables a swift response and access to necessary healthcare services, contributing to effective HIV management and prevention.
He said, “It is important to test to know our HIV status and that of our partners and if your test is positive, you ought to visit a health facility to start treatment immediately because taking medication consistently reduces the amount of virus in one’s body, promotes good health and prolongs their lifespan.”
Mr. Yakubu also urged the public to refrain from stigmatizing individuals living with the virus, emphasizing that HIV-related stigma hinders voluntary testing, treatment, care, and support for those affected.
In preparation for this year’s World AIDS Day, Mr. Yakubu disclosed that his office, in collaboration with other stakeholders, had distributed condoms, HIV test kits, educational fliers, and leaflets to the public. The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Let Communities Lead,” underscores the importance of community involvement in the fight against HIV.
Mr. Yakubu explained that communities play a vital role in connecting individuals with person-centered public health services, fostering trust, overseeing policy and service implementation, and holding service providers accountable.
By actively engaging communities, he believes that HIV can cease to be a public health threat.