The Bono Region has reported a total of 19,979 residents living with HIV and AIDS. This information was shared by Ahmed Ibrahim Bambila, the Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission for Bono, Bono East and Ahafo.
He revealed that the region also recorded 875 new HIV infections within the year. He described the figures as worrying and called for stronger and united efforts to address the rising cases.
Mr. Bambila gave these details during the inauguration of the Bono Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission in Sunyani. The event took place on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
The newly formed committee has nine members and is chaired by Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa. The committee is expected to guide, coordinate and monitor HIV response activities in the region.
According to Mr. Bambila, several social and behavioural factors continue to influence HIV transmission in the area. He mentioned issues such as low condom usage, multiple sexual partners, and poor sexual health education.
He further explained that stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to HIV prevention and treatment. He said these attitudes discourage many people from seeking testing and support services.
Mr. Bambila also pointed out that migration and transactional sex contribute to the growing number of cases. He added that limited access to HIV services in some communities weakens the region’s fight against the disease.
The 2024 Regional HIV Estimates show that the Bono Region has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.22 percent among people aged 15 to 49. This figure is higher than the national average for the same age group.
Data from the region show different prevalence levels across districts and municipalities. Dormaa East District recorded 2,715 people living with HIV with a rate of 5.36 percent.
Berekum Municipality reported 2,701 cases with a rate of 3.33 percent. Sunyani Municipality followed with 3,335 cases and a prevalence of 2.22 percent.
Wenchi Municipality recorded 2,153 people living with HIV with a 2.46 percent rate. Jaman South Municipality had 1,644 cases representing 2.09 percent.
Dormaa Central Municipality recorded 1,693 people with HIV at a rate of 2.03 percent. Banda District had 406 cases which also represented 2.03 percent.
Tain District reported 1,631 cases with a 1.97 percent prevalence. Dormaa West District had 584 cases at a rate of 1.68 percent.
Berekum West District recorded 548 cases with a 1.51 percent rate. Sunyani West Municipality reported 1,482 cases with a prevalence of 1.43 percent.
Jaman North District recorded 1,087 people living with HIV at a rate of 1.29 percent. These figures reflect varied levels of vulnerability across the region.
Mr. Bambila called on community leaders, health institutions, and civil society groups to strengthen education on HIV prevention. He encouraged them to help reduce stigma and support safe sexual practices.
He also urged traditional authorities to use their influence to spread accurate information about HIV and AIDS. He emphasized that improved access to testing and treatment will help reduce new infections.
Source : Citinewsroom.com
