The Abuakwa North Municipal HIV/AIDS Committee has organised a public sensitisation exercise at the Akyem New Tafo Government Hospital OPD to commemorate World AIDS Day, observed globally on December 1, to raise awareness on HIV and strengthen prevention efforts.

During the engagement, the committee educated residents on the rising rate of HIV infections, prevention strategies, early testing, and proper treatment adherence.

Members of the public received counselling and health information aimed at reducing new infections within the municipality.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Madam Mamatta Alhassan Abdulai, spokesperson for the committee, expressed deep concern over the continuous rise in new cases.

She disclosed that the municipality recorded 123 new HIV cases between January and July 2025, with the next quarter’s figures yet to be released.

Although the committee regularly visits communities, churches, and public gatherings to educate residents, she said the increasing numbers remain worrying.

She urged the public to practice abstinence, use protection, and undergo regular medical screening.

Adding national context to the situation, Mr. Maxwell Osei Owusu, SVP for Advancement and Medication Access at ACTS Ghana, highlighted major challenges facing Ghana’s HIV response.

He revealed that between 2013 and 2023, more than 568,000 people were newly diagnosed, but only half were placed on treatment, leaving a significant treatment gap.

He also noted a worrying decline in treatment retention, with over 68,000 people dropping out of care in just one year (2022–2023).

He called for stronger linkage to care, improved follow-up systems, adoption of long-acting treatment options, and re-engagement of those who have stopped treatment.

Also contributing to the discussion, Rev. Ofori Asirifi, Chairman of the Local Council of Churches in Abuakwa North and Area Head of the Assemblies of God Church, warned that HIV “is no respecter of persons,” and urged residents to avoid casual sexual behaviour and sharing sharp objects.

He lamented that some people now behave as though the disease is normal and called on the government to intensify national campaigns to protect the next generation.

World AIDS Day, established in 1988, continues to remind nations of the need for prevention, education, and collective responsibility in combating HIV.