In 2023, the Volta region reported 778 new HIV infections, 4.4% of Ghana’s total. The regional adult prevalence rate is 1.35%, with significant rates among key populations. Initiatives for prevention, education, and increased testing access are essential to combat the rising infections.
In 2023, the Volta region of Ghana recorded 778 new HIV infections, accounting for 4.4 percent of the nation’s total of 17,774 new cases. Mary Naa Asheley Anyomi, the Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, disclosed that among these infections, 230 were male adults, 468 were female adults, 214 were young people aged 15-24, and 80 were children aged 0-14 years.
During a courtesy visit to Volta Regional Minister James Gunu, Anyomi reported that the region’s adult HIV prevalence stood at 1.35 percent, positioning it ninth nationally. The prevalence among key populations was even higher—4.3 percent for female sex workers and 28.9 percent for men who have sex with men.
The Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) coverage across all ages in the region was 57.1 percent, with 58.0 percent coverage for adults aged 15 years and above and 41.5 percent for children. Anyomi noted that the districts of Central Tongu, Ketu North, Ketu South, and North Tongu contributed significantly, at 42.03 percent, to the total number of new HIV infections recorded.
Districts such as Kpando, Central Tongu, and North Tongu reported higher prevalence rates than both the regional and national averages, with figures of 2.08, 1.6, and 1.57 percent, respectively. Nine districts in total had prevalence rates exceeding the regional figure, while 15 of 18 districts recorded rates of one percent or more.
Anyomi urged heightened prevention efforts including promoting condom use, combating stigma, and enhancing education through various media. The need for stronger campaigns in schools utilizing clubs for outreach was emphasized to ensure accurate information dissemination about HIV.
In response to the region’s need for increased access to testing, self-testing initiatives targeting underserved populations have been launched, aiming at groups such as adult men, adolescents, and drug users. Community testing programs will focus on major festivities and national events.
Victor Ntumy of the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health identified barriers such as financial constraints and accessibility challenges affecting their outreach. Minister Gunu thanked these organizations for their dedicated efforts and reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing health initiatives under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He urged continuous collaboration to curb the spread of HIV, particularly among the youth.
The Volta region of Ghana is facing a significant challenge with an increase in HIV infections, highlighting the necessity for enhanced prevention and education measures. The statistics reveal important demographic details regarding the affected populations, and the call for action from health officials emphasizes the urgency of community involvement and testing accessibility. Ongoing collaboration among stakeholders is essential to address these challenges effectively.
Original Source: mobile.ghanaweb.com
