In 2023, the Volta region in Ghana recorded 778 new HIV infections, making up 4.4% of the country’s total. Among these, 230 were men and 468 were women aged 15 and older. The region faces challenges with ART coverage and requires intensified prevention initiatives and community involvement to combat rising prevalence rates.
In 2023, the Volta region of Ghana reported 778 new HIV infections, constituting 4.4% of the nation’s total of 17,774 cases. According to Mary Naa Asheley Anyomi, the Volta Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, the new cases included 230 males and 468 females aged 15 and older, along with 214 young individuals aged 15-24 and 80 children under 14.
During a recent meeting with the Volta Regional Minister, Anyomi highlighted that the region has an adult HIV prevalence rate of 1.35%, ranking it ninth nationally. The prevalence among key populations was notably higher, at 4.3% for female sex workers and 28.9% for men who have sex with men.
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) coverage in the region stands at 57.1% across all ages, with a slightly higher coverage of 58.0% for adults aged 15 and over. In contrast, coverage for children aged 0-14 is at 41.5%. Notably, four districts contributed to 42.03% of the new infections recorded.
The regions of Central Tongu, Ketu North, Ketu South, and North Tongu demonstrated higher prevalence rates than the regional average, necessitating increased prevention efforts. A total of nine districts displayed prevalence rates exceeding that of the region, with 15 districts reporting rates greater than 1%.
Anyomi stressed the importance of enhancing prevention initiatives, such as promoting condom use and combating stigma and discrimination. Awareness campaigns across various media platforms were also deemed essential for educating the public on HIV prevention and treatment.
To facilitate access to HIV testing, the region has initiated self-testing programs, particularly targeting underserved populations such as men, adolescents, and sex workers. Community testing will also focus on significant local events. Financial challenges and geographical inaccessibility remain hurdles in outreach efforts, according to Victor Ntumy of the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health.
Regional Minister Gunu recognized their commitment to public health and urged continued collaboration to mitigate the spread of HIV, emphasizing awareness among the youth as a priority.
The meeting included various stakeholders from regional health organizations, indicative of the community effort to address the rising HIV cases in the Volta region.
The Volta region faces significant challenges with rising HIV infections, indicated by 778 new cases in 2023. Key populations, particularly female sex workers and men who have sex with men, show elevated rates of infection. With ART coverage below optimal levels, the need for enhanced prevention strategies, education efforts, and accessibility to HIV services is critical to combat this growing public health issue. Collaborative efforts and community engagement are essential in reducing the spread and addressing the stigma surrounding the disease.
Original Source: mobile.ghanaweb.com
