Berekum Leads Bono Region with Alarming 3.34% HIV Prevalence in 2023 – GHS Report
GHS Reports Rising HIV Rates in Berekum, Urges Action Amid Regional Health Concerns
- Berekum records highest HIV prevalence in Bono Region at 3.34% in 2023
- Population mobility driven by industries and educational institutions contributes to high infection rates
- Public awareness and parental involvement are crucial to reducing HIV transmission in the region
Berekum Municipality has recorded the highest HIV prevalence rate in the Bono Region for 2023, with a troubling 3.34%, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
This spike has sparked growing concern over the region’s persistent high infection rates.
Mr. Mark Kyeremeh Oppong, the Bono Regional Technical Officer for Monitoring and Evaluation at GHS, described the figure as alarming.
The data, part of the 2023 HIV and AIDS Sentinel Survey by the Ghana AIDS Commission, highlights Bono’s ongoing struggle with elevated HIV rates compared to other regions in the country.
Mr. Oppong pointed to the region’s high levels of population movement, fueled by significant institutions such as universities, Newmont’s mining operations, and the thriving cashew trade, which draw people from across the nation.
He explained that the constant inflow and outflow of people contributes to the high HIV prevalence in the area.
“The mobility of people due to Bono’s industrial and educational sectors plays a significant role in the HIV trend here,” he said. He urged the youth to make informed choices, stressing the importance of abstaining from premarital sex and avoiding multiple sexual partners.
On the other hand, Sunyani West Municipality has experienced a decline in HIV prevalence, with Mr. Amankwah Degraft, the Municipal HIV and AIDS Coordinator, attributing the reduction to enhanced public awareness campaigns.
However, he also expressed concern over the growing lack of parental supervision, which he believes is encouraging risky behavior among young people. He emphasized the need for stronger parental involvement and continued education to reduce infections even further in 2024.
As HIV remains a significant challenge in the region, it is clear that sustained public health efforts and community participation are essential to addressing this ongoing issue.
