The Ghana AIDS Commission has expressed grave concern over the high rate of new HIV infections among younger people, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 24.
According to its 2025 HIV projected figures released this year, about 23,000 people are currently living with HIV in the Western Region, with an estimated three new cases recorded daily. Sekondi-Takoradi accounts for the highest burden in the region with over 4,000 cases, while Mpohor records the lowest with approximately 900 cases.
Francis Antonio, the Acting Western Regional Technical Coordinator at the Commission, cautioned that despite a slight decline in the overall rate of new cases, failing to curb transmission through effective treatment and multi-layered prevention measures could jeopardize Ghana’s goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
Antonio noted that those living with the virus generally fall into three groups: individuals who have never tested, those who are not on treatment, and those who have defaulted on their medication. He stressed the urgent need for Ghanaians to remain vigilant and avoid risky behaviors that expose them to the virus.
To combat the spread, the Commission is expanding its preventive strategies beyond standard condom advocacy by actively promoting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for sexually active individuals, alongside Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for those seeking intervention within 72 hours of potential exposure.
Highlighting the vulnerable demographics, Mr Antonio emphasized that youth and women remain disproportionately affected by the epidemic.
“We have several age categories, but when you examine the figures, you will discover that throughout the data, one age group that pops up most often is the 15 to 24 years,” Mr Antonio said. “When you extend this to the national picture, you will also discover that new infections among 15 to 24 account for 30 per cent of the national data on new infections, and that reflects on the regional breakdown. Additionally, females are more than male infected persons.”
