STMA Registers 152 New HIV Infections in 2025, Tops Western Region’s List

Sekondi-takoradi: The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) recorded a total of 152 new HIV infections in 2025. This figure contributes to the 4,198 individuals already living with HIV, making Sekondi-Takoradi the district with the highest number of people living with the infection in the Western Region. According to Ghana News Agency, the infections include 1,344 males aged 15 years and above, 2,623 females in the same age group, and 231 children between zero and 14 years. Mr. Frederick Faustinus Faidoo, the Metropolitan Chief Executive for Sekondi-Takoradi, revealed these statistics during the opening of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metro HIV and AIDS Stakeholders' Review Meeting. He emphasized the need for a renewed commitment and collective action from all stakeholders to address the high rate of new infections in the metropolis. The meeting aimed to provide a platform for stakeholders to review the implementation and progress of HIV-related activities. Discussions focused on assessing achievements agai nst planned targets, identifying challenges and service delivery gaps, and sharing experiences and lessons learned. Stakeholders also examined emerging issues affecting the HIV response and explored practical strategies to enhance the effectiveness, coordination, and sustainability of interventions within the metropolis. The 2025 Ghana AIDS Commission National and Sub-national HIV and AIDS Estimates Report indicated that Ghana had an estimated 337,435 people living with HIV. Of these, 21,922 were children below 15 years, while 315,513 were adults aged 15 years and above. The Western Region recorded approximately 23,548 people living with HIV, ranking fifth among regions with the highest population of persons with the condition. Greater Accra topped the list with 77,512, followed by Ashanti with 68,505, Eastern with 42,953, and Central with 24,468. In the Western Region, the STMA recorded the highest number of persons living with HIV, followed by Tarkwa-Nsuaem with 3,536, Prestea-Huni Valley with 2,248, and Wassa Amenfi East with 2,112. Mr. Faidoo stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among the Assembly, Ghana Health Service, civil society organizations, development partners, community groups, and other stakeholders to promote collective ownership of the HIV response. Mr. Francis Anthonio, the Acting Technical Coordinator for the Ghana AIDS Commission in the Western Region, urged individuals to make informed choices regarding their sexual lives to reduce the death burden associated with HIV and AIDS. He highlighted Ghana's ongoing efforts to eliminate new HIV infections by 2030, which requires improved strategies and sustained actions. Mr. Anthonio cautioned, "Though you can buy sex, buy with your health and safety in mind, use the condoms, and let's kill new infections particularly among the youthful population." Mr. Joseph Kingsley Eshun, the Vice Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union in the Western Region, emphasized the need for more behavioral change communication tools to educate the youth who are frequently affected. Additionally, Mr. Josiah Kwofie, an Educationist and Counsellor, called for a revolutionary approach to curb the spread of infections.