Ashanti Region, Ghana —
An estimated 63,000 people are currently living with the HIV virus in the Ashanti Region, according to Olivia Graham, the National HIV Estimates Technical Coordinator at the Ghana AIDS Commission.
Speaking during a regional stakeholders’ engagement on Ghana’s latest HIV and AIDS estimates, Ms. Graham noted that the Ashanti Region remains one of the areas with the highest HIV burden in the country. She explained that despite progress in awareness and treatment availability, many people are still not testing early, leading to late diagnosis and increased health risks.
Ms. Graham highlighted that the new national HIV estimates are a crucial tool for planning effective interventions, allocating resources, and strengthening prevention strategies. She urged the public to prioritize regular testing, adhere to treatment plans, and help reduce stigma associated with the virus.
Health authorities in the region say they are intensifying efforts to reduce new infections through community education, antenatal screening, and expanded access to antiretroviral therapy.
The Ghana AIDS Commission continues to call on individuals, traditional leaders, civil society groups, and the media to join the national campaign against HIV, emphasizing that early testing and treatment can significantly reduce transmission and improve quality of life.
