HIV Infections in Volta Region Show Alarming Trends in 2023

In 2023, the Volta region documented 778 new HIV infections, which is 4.4% of Ghana’s total. The region’s adult HIV prevalence is 1.35%, with specific districts showing higher rates. Emphasis is placed on boosting prevention efforts, increasing education, and improving access to testing for underserved populations.

In 2023, the Volta region reported 778 new HIV infections, comprising 4.4 percent of Ghana’s total new infections of 17,774. 230 of these cases were male adults aged 15 years and above, while 468 were adult females in the same age group. Additionally, young individuals aged 15 to 24 accounted for 214 infections, and 80 cases were recorded among children aged zero to 14 years.

Mary Naa Asheley Anyomi, the Volta Regional Technical Coordinator for the Ghana AIDS Commission, revealed these statistics during a courtesy visit to Volta Regional Minister James Gunu. The adult HIV prevalence in the region stands at 1.35 percent, which ranks ninth nationally, and the prevalence among key populations is notably high, reaching 28.9 percent among men who have sex with men and 4.3 percent among female sex workers.

Furthermore, the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) coverage for all ages in the region is 57.1 percent, with coverage for adults at 58.0 percent and for children at 41.5 percent. It was observed that certain districts, including Central Tongu, Ketu North, Ketu South, and North Tongu, contribute significantly to new infections, accounting for 42.03 percent of the total. The prevalence rates in Kpando, Central Tongu, and North Tongu also exceed both regional and national averages.

Anyomi highlighted that nine districts, including Kpando, Ho, and Keta, exhibited prevalence rates above the regional average. She emphasized the critical need for enhanced prevention programs, encouraging condom use and educational awareness campaigns through various media to combat stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV.

Moreover, the introduction of HIV self-testing in the region aims to increase accessibility, particularly targeting underserved populations. Community testing initiatives, especially during public events, also form part of the strategy to expand testing.

Victor Ntumy from the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health brought attention to the challenges faced by their outreach programs, such as difficult access to certain areas and financial limitations that hinder their efforts. Regional Minister Gunu commended their dedication and reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing health initiatives under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration. He further stressed the importance of ongoing awareness campaigns focused on youth.

In summary, the Volta region has experienced a notable number of new HIV infections in 2023, underscoring the need for enhanced prevention strategies and educational outreach. The region’s prevailing adult HIV prevalence and the high rates among key populations necessitate a coordinated effort to expand testing and treatment programs, while addressing barriers such as stigma and limited resources. Continued collaboration and awareness initiatives are crucial in combating the spread of HIV.

Original Source: mobile.ghanaweb.com