The Western Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Mr. Dramani Yakubu, has raised the alarm over a concerning surge in HIV/AIDS cases in the region.
He revealed that the Commission is now recording an average of four new HIV/AIDS infections every day, a trend he described as alarming.
According to Mr. Yakubu, the region reported 1,235 new cases of HIV/AIDS last year alone, far exceeding the commission’s target of keeping new infections below 500 annually.
He pointed out that while 23,338 individuals are currently receiving treatment for the virus, the rising number of new infections remains the primary challenge.
“The fact that these individuals are on treatment is not the issue. Our main concern is the growing number of new infections, which we need to urgently address,” he stated.
Mr. Yakubu also highlighted that women are disproportionately affected by the virus, with 65 percent of the new cases involving females.
He explained that this is not due to any wrongdoing on their part but is largely a result of biological factors that increase their vulnerability.
He called on the general public, particularly the youth, to prioritize safe sexual practices, including the use of protection, in order to curb the growing number of infections. “Unprotected sex is a major factor in the spread of HIV, and it’s crucial that we all take responsibility to protect ourselves and our communities,” he urged.
The Ghana AIDS Commission continues to work toward reducing new infections, but the current rise in cases presents a critical challenge in achieving that goal.
Source:onuaonline.com