Kumasi: More than 63,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Additionally, 300 new cases are recorded annually among children between the ages of zero and 14. Dr. Thomas Agyarko-Poku, an HIV/AIDS expert, disclosed this information in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi. He cautioned the public that the disease remains real and urged people to take steps to protect themselves. According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Agyarko-Poku noted that HIV/AIDS continues to be a major public health concern in Ghana. He called on all stakeholders not to relent in their efforts to create awareness. He stressed that everyone has a responsibility to protect themselves and others, adding that informed choices and collective action are key to reducing the spread of the virus. Despite years of awareness campaigns and medical advancements, new infections are still being recorded, particularly among young people. This makes prevention efforts more critical. Dr. Agyarko-Poku advised individual s to adopt safe sexual practices, including abstinence, faithfulness, consistent use of protection, and regular testing to know their status. He encouraged persons living with the disease to adhere strictly to treatment, noting that proper medication could significantly reduce transmission and improve quality of life. Dr. Agyarko-Poku further called on the media to intensify public education to help influence behavioral change. He urged the public to avoid stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS, emphasizing that it is a medical condition that requires support, care, and understanding. He highlighted the importance of community education, explaining that misinformation and complacency are among the key drivers of the continued spread of the virus. Parents, teachers, and community leaders must intensify discussions on HIV prevention, especially among the youth. Dr. Agyarko-Poku also appealed to government and health institutions to sustain investment in awareness creation, testing serv ices, and access to antiretroviral therapy, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Early detection through voluntary testing remains one of the most effective ways to control the spread of HIV. Individuals who know their status are more likely to seek treatment and adopt preventive measures. Dr. Agyarko-Poku noted that advancements in treatment have made it possible for people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives, provided they adhere to prescribed medication and maintain regular medical check-ups. He reiterated that the fight against HIV/AIDS requires a collective effort, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and committed to reducing new infections and supporting affected persons.
- May 15, 2026
