The Eastern Region continues to hold the unenviable position of having the highest HIV prevalence in Ghana, according to the latest statistics released by the Ghana AIDS Commission.
With the national HIV rate standing at approximately 1.7%, the Eastern Region consistently ranks above this average, highlighting persistent regional disparities in the fight against the disease.
More than 500,000 Ghanaians are currently living with HIV, a figure that underscores the significant public health challenge still facing the country.
The Commission has attributed the high infection rates in some regions to behavioral, social, and economic factors that demand urgent attention.
Speaking to Adom News during the 2025 Kwahu Easter festivities, Dr. Prosper Kharmacelle Akanbong, Assistant Director of the Ghana AIDS Commission, reiterated the importance of safe sexual practices, especially during large social events.
He cautioned revelers to use condoms and stressed that there was a sufficient supply of condoms available for free distribution throughout the celebrations.
“Such festivities tend to see a spike in risky behaviors, including unprotected sex and drug use,” Dr. Akanbong warned.
“We urge all participants to prioritize their health and the well-being of others by making responsible choices.”
Dr. Akanbong further noted that the surge in HIV cases has been exacerbated by issues like illegal mining (galamsey) and drug abuse—activities that often expose young people to high-risk environments.
He pointed out that some mining communities, particularly in the Eastern and Western Regions, have witnessed rising HIV rates due to an influx of transient workers and limited access to health education.
Public education, early testing, and the availability of preventive tools such as condoms and antiretroviral medications are central to the Commission’s strategy in combating the disease.
He emphasized the need for greater outreach in schools, churches, and social gatherings to educate Ghanaians about the modes of transmission and the importance of getting tested regularly.
Historically, the Eastern Region has been flagged in multiple Ghana Health Service (GHS) and AIDS Commission reports for its high HIV burden.
Previous surveillance has shown that urban centers within the region tend to report higher rates than rural areas, although limited access to health services in remote areas may also mean some cases go undiagnosed.
The Commission is working in collaboration with local and international partners to bolster HIV prevention efforts, especially among the youth and vulnerable populations.
As Ghana strives toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets—95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed receiving sustained treatment, and 95% of those treated achieving viral suppression—the Eastern Region’s statistics remain a critical focus.
Ghanaians are being encouraged to make use of free HIV testing services and to seek accurate information from certified health professionals.
The fight against HIV, health officials say, is not just about medical intervention but a broader societal commitment to behavioral change and support for those affected.
–BY Daniel Bampoe
