By Nicholas Osei-Wusu
New HIV infections have begun declining in the Ashanti Region with a rippling effect on the overall prevalence rate of the pandemic in the region.
Current data from the Ghana AIDS Commission show that the total number of HIV/AIDS cases in the region reduced from the 2023 figure of 3,650 to 2,997 at the end of last year. New infections among commercial sex workers and also in the mining districts have also witnessed a decline.
The Ashanti Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Mrs. Olivia Graham, made this known in Kumasi at the inauguration of the reconstituted Regional AIDS Committee.
The programme was also used by the Ghana AIDS Commission and the Ghana Health Service to disseminate the latest report of the Ghana AIDS Commission regarding the current HIV and AIDS situation in the Ashanti Region.
The nine-member reconstituted Ashanti Regional AIDS Committee was sworn in and inaugurated by the Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who is also the Chairman.
The Committee is composed of representatives of the Christian and Muslim communities, civil society groups, Ghana Health Service, Network of Associations of Persons Living with HIV, the Regional House of Chiefs, Ghana Education Service, and the Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission.
The members, led by the Regional Minister, took the Oaths of Office and Secrecy.
The Ashanti Regional Focal Person of HIV and AIDS, Madam Dorcas Baidoo, took the new Committee members through some of their responsibilities in the crusade to subdue HIV and AIDS in the region.
“Facilitate stakeholder dialogue, achievement and innovation opportunities and HIV response. Strengthen partnership and mobilize support for the regional HIV initiatives,” the Focal Person charged the members.
In a presentation on the current report of the situation of HIV and AIDS in the Ashanti Region, the Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Mrs. Olivia Graham, took the members through the latest report on the HIV and AIDS situation in the country down to the district level.
She disclosed that even though the Ashanti Region comes second to the Greater Accra Region with the highest prevalence of the disease, Ashanti witnessed a decline in the total number of cases, new infections, and the prevalence rate in 2024 compared with data for 2023, except in the uptake of ART, which carriers are refusing due to self-denial of their status.
She noted also that, “when it comes to sex workers, we’re seeing a decline in the prevalence. It was around 11%, then it dropped to 7% and now, nationally, we’re at about 4%. We’re seeing a decline in that area because now they’re using condom, they’re protecting themselves a lot. But when it comes to the other side, the hookup, it’s difficult to reach them.”
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who also chairs the reconstituted Committee, said the members have their target well cut out in coordinating efforts towards attainment of Ghana’s target of significantly reducing the infection rate and suppression of the virus.
“We’re to help coordinate all efforts with regards to prevention, education and also the management of HIV-related issues within the region, and more especially, when it comes to prevention”, he informed them.
Ghana has a target to eradicate HIV and AIDS by 2030.
