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Data from the Ghana AIDS Control Commission show that more than 1,000 new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections were recorded in the Western Region in 2024, the Western Regional HIV Coordinator, Dr Felicia Amihere, has revealed.
According to her, about 80 per cent of the new infections were transmitted through sexual contact, 15 per cent through mother-to-child transmission, while five per cent resulted from the use of sharp objects such as needles.
Dr Amihere disclosed this in an interview with the media at Huni-Valley, where she urged the public to take deliberate steps to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections, noting that sexual activity remains the leading cause of new HIV cases in the region.
She encouraged the public to adopt the “A, B, C” approach to HIV prevention — abstinence, being faithful to one uninfected partner, and the correct and consistent use of condoms. According to her, abstinence alone, if widely practised for a year, could reduce HIV infections by up to 80 per cent.
Dr Amihere expressed concern about changing sexual behaviours, attributing some of the trend to the influence of technology.
“Now sex comes in so many forms. People can download apps on their mobile phones and order sex as they order a ride,” she said.
She also cautioned against the misuse of emergency contraceptives, explaining that some individuals rely on them instead of condoms, thereby exposing themselves to a higher risk of HIV infection.
The regional HIV coordinator noted that although HIV was first detected in Ghana in 1986 and should have declined significantly by now, new infections continue to rise.
Dr Amihere linked the increasing prevalence in the Western Region to economic activities, particularly mining, which she said often leads to increased social and sexual interactions.
“Where money is involved, sexual activities increase. So, in Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni-Valley Municipalities we have high cases,” she explained.
She added that districts such as Wassa Amenfi Central, East and West, which previously recorded lower prevalence rates, are now experiencing increases due to intensified mining activities.
Dr Amihere stressed that HIV is a medical condition and not a spiritual issue, noting that people living with the virus can live healthy and productive lives if they adhere strictly to treatment.
“HIV is real. It is not spiritual. People get it, but with the appropriate treatment, they manage it and stay healthy,” she said.
She warned against abandoning antiretroviral treatment for unverified herbal or spiritual remedies, emphasising that there is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS.
“Those who switch their treatment to those medications end up progressing to AIDS, and it’s too late. Some even lose their lives,” she cautioned.
