The Volta Region recorded 778 new HIV infections in 2023, making up 4.4% of Ghana’s total. Notable statistics indicate differences in infection rates across genders and age groups. Efforts to enhance prevention and education campaigns are critical, along with expanding access to testing, particularly among underserved populations. The regional government remains committed to addressing these challenges through collaboration.
In 2023, the Volta Region of Ghana reported 778 new HIV infections, accounting for 4.4 percent of the nation’s total of 17,774. Mary Naa Asheley Anyomi, the Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, provided these statistics, noting that the breakdown includes 230 male adults, 468 female adults, 214 young individuals aged 15 to 24, and 80 children under 15 years old.
During a recent meeting with James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, Anyomi highlighted that the adult HIV prevalence stood at 1.35 percent, ranking the region ninth in Ghana. Furthermore, prevalence rates among key populations were concerning, with rates of 4.3 percent for female sex workers and an alarming 28.9 percent for men who have sex with men.
The coverage for Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in the region is 57.1 percent overall, with a slightly higher rate of 58.0 percent for adults aged 15 and above, and 41.5 percent for children. Notably, the areas of Central Tongu, Ketu North, Ketu South, and North Tongu accounted for 42.03 percent of new infections. Several districts, including Kpando and Central Tongu, reported prevalence rates exceeding the regional average.
Nine districts within the region exhibited prevalence rates higher than the regional average, with 15 of the 18 districts recording rates of one percent or more. Anyomi underscored the critical need for enhanced prevention programs to promote condom use and mitigate stigma, advocating for educational campaigns across various media platforms.
Efforts to expand HIV testing are also a focus, with initiatives like HIV self-testing targeting underserved groups. Victor Ntumy of the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health conveyed challenges related to outreach accessibility and financial limitations. In response, Minister Gunu commended the joint efforts and confirmed that health is a priority for the government, urging continued collaboration to combat the HIV epidemic effectively.
The report from the Volta Region highlights a significant number of new HIV infections in 2023, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced prevention and education strategies. The data reveals disparities in prevalence among different demographics and underscores the vital importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing these challenges. Moving forward, strengthening outreach efforts and promoting awareness will be essential in reducing the spread of HIV in the region.
Original Source: mobile.ghanaweb.com
