More than 1,000 new HIV infections detected in Western Region – Coordinator

The Ghana AIDS Control Commission’s data indicates that the Western Region reported over 1,000 new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in 2024, as revealed by Dr. Mrs. Felicia Amihere, Western Regional HIV Coordinator.

She stated that 80% of HIV cases were contracted through sexual contact, 15% resulted from mother to child transmission, and 5% were attributed to the use of sharp objects like needles.

In an interview in Huni-Valley, Mrs. Amihere advised the public to protect themselves from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), emphasizing that most recorded infections were sex-related.

She appealed to the public to practice the “A” (abstinence), “B” (faithfulness to one partner), and “C” (correct consistent use of condoms) methods to stay safe, adding that a one-year abstinence from sex could reduce HIV by 80%.

Mrs. Amihere noted that the rise of sex-related apps and the misuse of emergency contraceptives hinder efforts to reduce HIV infections nationwide.

According to Mrs. Amihere, HIV was first introduced in Ghana in 1986, and by now, the number of cases should have decreased. However, the infection continues to spread.

She stressed that areas with significant financial transactions, such as Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni-Valley Municipalities, tend to have higher cases of HIV.

Even in the Wassa Amenfi Central, East, and West district and municipalities, where HIV prevalence was previously low, the infection rate is now increasing due to the growth of mining activities.

Mrs. Amihere noted, “HIV is a manageable condition, and with proper treatment, individuals can lead healthy lives. However, it is essential to adhere to the prescribed treatment and disregard claims of alternative cures, as there is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS. Switching to unproven medications can lead to the progression of the disease, resulting in severe consequences, including loss of life.”

Source: GNA