The Berekum Municipality recorded the highest HIV prevalence in the Bono Region in 2023, with a rate of 3.34%, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS). This statistic has raised concerns over the region’s consistently high infection levels.
Speaking in a media interview, Mr. Mark Kyeremeh Oppong, the Bono Regional Technical Officer for Monitoring and Evaluation at GHS, described the figure—revealed in the 2023 HIV and AIDS Sentinel Survey by the Ghana AIDS Commission—as alarming.
Mr. Oppong explained that Bono continues to rank among the regions with the highest HIV rates nationwide. He attributed the trend to the region’s high population mobility, driven by major institutions and industries such as universities, Newmont’s mining operations, and a thriving cashew trade, which attract people from all over the country.
“Bono’s high HIV prevalence is partly due to the movement of people in and out of the region because of its industrial activities and educational institutions,” Mr. Oppong said. He urged young people to make responsible choices, emphasizing the importance of abstaining from premarital sex and avoiding multiple sexual partners.
In contrast, Sunyani West Municipality has seen a comparatively lower HIV prevalence. Mr. Amankwah Degraft, the Municipal HIV and AIDS Coordinator, credited the decline to strengthened public sensitization efforts.
Despite the progress, Mr. Degraft raised concerns about the increasing lack of parental oversight, which he believes is contributing to risky behavior among young people. “Parents need to be more involved in guiding their children. We must continue our efforts through education and community engagement to further reduce infection rates in 2024,” he said.
As HIV rates remain a concern in the region, continued public health efforts and community involvement will be critical in addressing the issue.
Source: Richard Nana Appiah Kubi/Ahotoronline.com
