Source: Africa Publicity
A recent report from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has revealed a disturbing trend in the Bono Region, where women are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. As of September 2024, out of the total 11,401 Persons Living with HIV and AIDS (PLwHAs) in the region, a staggering 8,481 were females, while 2,727 were males.
Mr. Emmanuel Obeng-Hinneh, the Bono Regional HIV Coordinator of the GHS, disclosed these figures at a stakeholder meeting in Sunyani. He emphasized that all PLwHAs in the region were currently receiving treatment. The meeting, organized by the Bono Regional office of the Technical Support Unit of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) in collaboration with the Bono Regional Coordinating Council, aimed to strengthen the regional HIV response and identify opportunities for improvement.
The report also highlighted the Viral Load (VL) testing trend in the region. Out of the 9,791 clients eligible for testing, 8,177 samples had been taken, with 6,270 tests conducted. The VL testing coverage stood at 64%, with an impressive 88% VL suppression rate.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Bambilla, the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regional Technical Coordinator of the GAC, urged stakeholders to continue supporting the Commission’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the region. He emphasized the GAC’s commitment to backing NGOs in their preventive measures and programs to stem the spread of the disease.
The Bono Region’s HIV prevalence stands at 2.27%, higher than the national prevalence of 1.7%. In 2022, the region recorded 884 new HIV infections, with 19,281 people living with HIV and AIDS. These statistics underscore the need for sustained efforts to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the region.
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