The Bono Regional Director of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Bambila, has issued a warning regarding the escalating rate of HIV transmission among the youth, particularly in the Bono Region. During an appearance on GIFTs FM Morning Show, Mr. Ibrahim Bambila highlighted that the national HIV prevalence rate in 2024 was 1.49%. He underscored that among the nation’s 16 regions, the Bono Region reported the highest prevalence rate of 2.22%. Greater Accra leads in newly recorded HIV cases, followed by Ashanti, Eastern, Central, Western, and then Bono Region, which ranks sixth.
He stressed that prevalence differs from new cases, clarifying that prevalence indicates the rate of spread. This situates Bono Region as the highest among the 16 administrative regions with a 2.22% rate, a concerning trend that must be addressed promptly to prevent widespread infection across the region in the ensuing years.
He underscored that among the 12 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Bono Region, the Dormaa East District exhibits the highest HIV prevalence at 5.36%, positioning it as the leading district among the 12 in Bono Region with the most elevated rate of HIV transmission, surpassing both the national prevalence of 1.49% and the regional prevalence of 2.22%.
He noted that Berekum ranks second with a prevalence of 3.33%, followed by Wenchi at 2.46%, and then Sunyani Municipal at 2.22%. He emphasized that only the Sunyani West and Jaman North Districts have a transmission rate lower than the national rate, with the remaining 10 Assemblies recording prevalence rates higher than the national rate of HIV spread, indicating that the HIV prevalence in the region is generally elevated, which is an alarming sign.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Bambila conveyed his concern regarding the prevalence of unprotected sexual activities, a significant contributor to the spread of HIV. He further noted that other contributing factors include the rising incidence of multiple sexual partners, stigma, and discrimination, which often hinder HIV patients from adhering correctly and consistently to their antiretroviral therapy to suppress the viral load to prevent transmission through sexual contact. Additionally, inadequate sexual health education, migration, mobility, and limited access to healthcare services due to the apprehension of discovering one’s HIV status are emphasized as major contributors to the proliferation of HIV.
Story By: Kwaku Mensah Abrampa (GIFTs FM)
