23,904 people living with HIV/AIDS in Western Region – Focal Person – Skyy Power FM

Twenty-three thousand nine hundred and four (23,904) people are living with HIV/AIDS in the Western Region.

Speaking on the Jolly Breakfast Show, Dr Felicia Amihere, the Western Region Focal Person on HIV/AIDS said the prevalent rate in the various districts varies based on the commercial activities and number of people.

She explained that this is why the HIV prevalent rate is higher in border towns and mining communities because the population is higher in those areas.

She said, “Districts like Ellembelle and Jomoro have a higher rate of HIV infection due to their location, being close to the border and also mining towns in the region.”

“Places like Tarkwa-Nsuem also have a high rate of the virus due to the high economic activity in the area.”

Dr Amihere said high-risk populations include sex workers and drug addicts who share needles in ghettos.

She also spoke about the newly introduced HIV-self test program emphasizing that it aims to empower Ghanaians with the ability to check their HIV status in the comfort and privacy of their homes.

She said knowing one’s status, whether positive or negative, will help with behavioural change and proper treatment because there are potent medications to treat HIV/AIDS.

“Sexual transmitting of the disease is about 80%, other forms of getting the virus is through being cut by a sharp object or drug addicts sharing needles,” she added.

According to the Ghana Aids Commission, there are currently more than 350,000 people living with HIV in the country. Shockingly, only 71% of them are aware of their HIV status.