The Ghana AIDS Commission has raised serious concerns over a sharp rise in HIV/AIDS cases in the Western Region. Mr. Dramani Yakubu, the Commission’s Western Regional Technical Coordinator, revealed that the region is now witnessing an average of four new HIV/AIDS infections daily, a situation he described as deeply troubling.
Addressing the media, Yakubu highlighted that in 2023 alone, the region recorded 1,235 new HIV/AIDS cases, far exceeding the commission’s annual target of keeping new infections below 500. He noted that while 23,338 individuals are currently receiving treatment for the virus, the alarming rate of new infections is the primary concern.
“Our major challenge is not just about people being on treatment, but the continuous rise in new infections. This is what we need to tackle urgently,” Yakubu emphasized.
He further pointed out that women are disproportionately affected by the virus, accounting for 65 percent of the new cases. Yakubu attributed this to biological factors that heighten women’s vulnerability to HIV, rather than any behavior-specific reasons.
In a call to action, Yakubu urged the general public, particularly young people, to adopt safer sexual practices, including the consistent use of protection. “Unprotected sex remains a key driver of HIV transmission, and it’s essential that everyone takes personal responsibility to reduce the risk of spreading the virus,” he advised.
Despite ongoing efforts by the Ghana AIDS Commission to curb the spread of the virus, the current rise in new cases presents a significant hurdle in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the region.