Kumasi: More than 63,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in the Ashanti Region. Additionally, 300 new cases are recorded annually among children between the ages of zero and 14. According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Thomas Agyarko-Poku, an HIV/AIDS expert, disclosed this information in an interview, cautioning the public that the disease remained real and urging people to take steps to protect themselves. He noted that HIV/AIDS continued to be a major public health concern in Ghana and called on all stakeholders not to relent in awareness creation. Dr. Agyarko-Poku stressed that everyone had a responsibility to protect themselves and others, adding that informed choices and collective action were key to reducing the spread of the virus. Despite years of awareness campaigns and medical advancements, he said new infections were still being recorded, particularly among young people, making prevention efforts more critical. He advised individuals to adopt safe sexual practices, including abstinence, faithfulness , consistent use of protection, and regular testing to know their status. He also 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 behavioural change. He urged the public to avoid stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS, emphasising that it was a medical condition that required support, care, and understanding. He highlighted the importance of community education, explaining that misinformation and complacency were among the key drivers of the continued spread of the virus. Parents, teachers, and community leaders, he said, must intensify discussions on HIV prevention, especially among the youth. He also appealed to government and health institutions to sustain investment in awareness creation, testing services, and access to antiretroviral therapy, particularly in rura l and underserved communities. According to him, early detection through voluntary testing remained one of the most effective ways to control the spread of HIV, as individuals who knew their status were more likely to seek treatment and adopt preventive measures. Dr. Agyarko-Poku noted that advancements in treatment had made it possible for people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives, provided they adhered to prescribed medication and maintained regular medical check-ups. He reiterated that the fight against HIV/AIDS required collective effort, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and committed to reducing new infections and supporting affected persons.
Over 63,000 People Living with HIV in Ashanti Region, 300 New Child Cases Annually
RECENT POST
Ghana Must Chart Its Own Sustainable Economic Future – IMF
April 18, 2026
Sumbrungu Community Champions Environmental Cleanliness
April 18, 2026