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According to the Ghana AIDS Commission’s Western Regional Office, there are an estimated 23,904 HIV-positive people in the region.
Mr. Dramani Yakubu, the Commission’s Western Regional Technical Coordinator, divulged this information in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi.
He went on to say that the region saw around 1,101 new HIV infections last year, at a prevalence rate of 1.63 percent.
“This is a major concern for the Commission and its partners, because it means out of every 100 people in the region, about two of them are living with HIV,” he told reporters.
Mr. Yakubu voiced concern about the rising trend of HIV infections and warned the public against engaging in behaviors that enhance the risk of infection. He underlined the need of taking preventive measures to reduce HIV transmission.
Mr. Yakubu urged people to use self-testing campaigns and voluntarily undertake HIV testing to raise public awareness and promote proactive health practices. Knowing one’s HIV status as soon as possible allows for a timely response and access to appropriate healthcare treatments, which contributes to effective HIV management and prevention.
He went on to say, “It is important to test to know our HIV status and that of our partners and if your test is positive, you ought to visit a health facility to start treatment immediately because taking medication consistently reduces the amount of virus in one’s body, promotes good health and prolongs their lifespan.”
Mr. Yakubu also urged the public not to stigmatize those living with HIV, highlighting that stigma prevents people from seeking voluntary HIV testing, treatment, care, and support.
Mr. Yakubu revealed that his office, in partnership with other stakeholders, had distributed condoms, HIV test kits, instructional fliers, and brochures to the public in preparation for this year’s World AIDS Day. This year’s memorial theme, “Let Communities Lead,” emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the HIV/AIDS fight.
Communities, according to Mr. Yakubu, play an important role in linking individuals with person-centered public health services, creating trust, monitoring policy and service implementation, and keeping service providers accountable.
He believes that by actively engaging communities, HIV may be eliminated as a public health problem.