Bono Regional has the Highest HIV prevalence among the 16 regions in Ghana – Ghana AIDs Commission

Bono Regional has the Highest HIV prevalence among the 16 regions in Ghana – Ghana AIDs Commission

The Bono Regional Director of the Ghana AIDs Commission, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Bambilla, has revealed that the Commission records an HIV population of 334,095 individuals, with males comprising 35% and females 65% of those living with HIV.

He noted that among Ghana’s 16 administrative regions, the Bono Region exhibits the highest HIV prevalence at 2.12%, surpassing the national prevalence of 1.5%. This indicates a more rapid spread of HIV in Ghana, with the Bono Region ranking as the sixth region nationally in terms of the highest HIV population, totaling 18,564 individuals.

Furthermore, he disclosed that within the Bono Region’s 12 MMDAs, Berekum Municipal registers the highest HIV prevalence at 3.34%, followed by Dormaa East at 3.11%, both exceeding the regional and national prevalence rates.

Highlighting the HIV situation in the Bono Region, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Bambilla revealed that from January to September 2024, 46,889 individuals were tested for HIV, with 2,749 confirmed positive cases.

Detailing the district-specific data, he reported that in the Dormaa Central Municipal, 1,666 males were tested, resulting in 50 positive cases, while 4,861 females were tested, yielding 120 positive cases. In Dormaa West, 698 males were examined, with 23 testing positive, and 1,990 females were tested, with 39 positive cases. Additionally, Dormaa East recorded 70 male and 72 female positive cases.

He underscored the severity of the HIV situation in the Bono Region, stressing the urgent need to implement preventive measures to address the issue effectively.

Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Bambilla attributed the escalating HIV rates within the Bono Region to the negligence of certain parents.

He implored parents to embrace responsibility, emphasizing that the elements contributing to teenage pregnancies are identical to those facilitating the spread of HIV. Therefore, parents should strive to provide exemplary guidance and education to their offspring, steering them away from immoral conduct to prevent the spread of HIV.

He further urged the youth to lead a conscientious life to shield themselves from contracting the virus.

Story By: Kwaku Mensah Abrampa (GIFTs FM -Dormaa Ahenkro)