Bolgatanga, Upper East Region — The Bolgatanga Municipality has recorded 13 new HIV infections within a two-month period, raising renewed public health concerns and prompting calls for intensified prevention and awareness efforts.
Health authorities disclosed that the cases were detected through routine testing and surveillance activities conducted at health facilities across the municipality. The development, though not described as an outbreak, signals continued transmission of the virus within the community and the need for sustained intervention.
Officials at the municipal level of the Ghana Health Service indicated that while progress has been made in expanding access to HIV testing and treatment, behavioural factors and low risk perception remain key challenges in reducing new infections.
According to health experts, early testing, adherence to preventive practices, and regular public education are critical in breaking the chain of transmission. They emphasised that consistent condom use, reduction in risky sexual behaviour, and voluntary counselling and testing must be prioritised, particularly among sexually active populations.
The situation has also renewed discussions around stigma and discrimination, which continue to discourage some individuals from knowing their HIV status or seeking treatment. Stakeholders say addressing these social barriers is as important as improving medical services.
At the national level, the Ghana AIDS Commission has reiterated its commitment to strengthening awareness campaigns and integrating HIV services into broader healthcare delivery to ensure early diagnosis and prompt linkage to care.
Health officials are urging residents of the Bolgatanga Municipality to take advantage of free testing services available at public health facilities and to seek accurate information to protect themselves and others.
Source: BLUEWAVES RADIO 93.7 FM | MAURICE DUNCAN
