30 pregnant women test HIV positive in Ayensuano District

The Ayensuano District in the Eastern Region has reported a total of 30 HIV-positive cases among pregnant women between January and October 2025, which health authorities have deemed alarmingly high.

Francis Kwoutua Apungu, the District Director of Health Services, revealed this information during an address at Kyekyewere, as part of the activities marking World AIDS Day 2025 in the district.

According to him, out of 1,571 pregnant women tested within the period under review, 30 were confirmed HIV positive, representing a 1.9 per cent prevalence.

“In simple terms, when you test about 100 pregnant women, you are likely to get two who will test positive. This is unacceptably high,” he stated.

The District Health Director further revealed that among the general population, including both males and females tested at various health facilities, 1,339 people were screened, with 46 testing positive. Of this number, 13 were males and 33 females, representing a 3.4 per cent positivity rate.

“When you test about 100 people, you are likely to get three to four positive cases,” he explained. In total, the district recorded 76 HIV-positive cases out of 2,910 people tested within the ten-month period.

“This situation calls on all of us to intensify support for the fight against HIV,” he emphasized. Already, 628 persons are living with HIV in the district, but only about 250 are on ART therapy.

Mr. Apungu noted that the theme “Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming the AIDS Response” highlights the need to rebuild stronger and more resilient health systems, despite challenges such as funding gaps and service interruptions.

“The theme calls on all stakeholders to transform our response by strengthening community engagement, supporting individuals living with HIV, and ensuring uninterrupted services, including testing and treatment,” he said.

While acknowledging some progress in the district, he emphasized the need to double efforts to reduce HIV prevalence, address stigma and discrimination, and improve testing, treatment, and adherence.

The District Health Directorate remains committed to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by enhancing free and confidential HIV testing, ensuring a continuous supply of antiretroviral medications, providing counseling to promote treatment adherence, strengthening prevention education, particularly among youth, and deepening community education to combat stigma and discrimination.

As part of World AIDS Day activities, the district has embarked on community and school engagements throughout the month to raise awareness about HIV prevention.

Mr. Apungu called for collective support from traditional leaders, community members, and stakeholders to create a district where individuals are not afraid to test for HIV.

“We envision a district where no mother transmits HIV to her child, and where everyone living with HIV receives respect, care, support and compassion,” he said.

He concluded by urging residents to recommit to a united, compassionate and stronger response to HIV.

Barima Okunini Gyebi Ababio – Chief of Kyekyewere, urged residents in the district to frequently test for early detection for treatment.

“HIV is no longer frightening as we used to perceive. I have been working with people who are HIV positive and they have lived 30 years now because they are on drugs. So if you test early and out on drug you will live longer”.

The Chief underscored the importance of establishing Poly clinic in the community to boost healthcare.