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In the latest Ghana AIDS Commission report of 2022, startling figures have emerged concerning the prevalence of HIV in the Ashanti Region. The report discloses that an estimated 72,429 individuals are living with HIV in the region. Shockingly, only approximately 26,000 are currently receiving Anti-Retroviral (ARV) medication through health facilities, leaving a significant gap of 46,421 unaccounted for in terms of treatment uptake.
Deputy Ashanti Regional Focal Person for HIV/AIDS, Dennis Bandoh, revealed that the region saw an increase in new cases, tallying 4,618 by the end of the third quarter of 2023, reflecting a 2.1 percent rise from the previous year.
The report further highlighted the testing initiatives undertaken, with 62,835 pregnant women screened for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission, revealing 681 positive cases. Additionally, 3,937 individuals tested positive out of 51,940 screened under the general HIV testing services category.
Mr. Bandoh shed light on a concerning belief among some men, who assume their own HIV status based on their partner’s negative test result, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and testing among all individuals.
The report outlined regional estimates, with Greater Accra leading with 85,403 cases, followed by Ashanti Region at 72,429 and Eastern Region at 46,339. AIDS-related deaths amounted to 9,359, with males accounting for 4,353 and females for 5,006.
Furthermore, the country recorded 16,574 new HIV infections, with 5,647 in males and 10,927 in females. Distressingly, the age group of 0 to 14 years accounted for 2,868 infections, while adults aged 15 and above represented 13,706 new cases.
