The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has raised concerns over a rise in new HIV infections in the Bono Region, recording 1,145 cases between January and May 2026.
The Regional Technical Coordinator for Bono, Bono East and Ahafo of the GAC, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim Bambilla, said the increase required renewed public awareness and stronger preventive measures, particularly among vulnerable groups.
He disclosed that the Commission had intensified the distribution of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive medication designed to reduce the risk of HIV infection among people who may be at higher risk of contracting the virus.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani, Mr Bambilla explained that PrEP had proven effective in protecting individuals from acquiring HIV when taken as prescribed.
He urged persons receiving the medication to adhere strictly to the dosage requirements, while encouraging people living with HIV to consistently take their antiretroviral drugs to suppress the virus and improve their health outcomes.
The data showed that the Sunyani Municipality recorded the highest number of new infections during the period with 222 cases, followed by Berekum Municipality with 184 cases.
Jaman South Municipality recorded 126 cases, while Wenchi Municipality reported 119 cases. Other areas affected included Tain District with 112 cases, Dormaa East District with 95, Dormaa Municipal with 71, Sunyani West Municipal with 65 and Jaman North District with 60 cases.
Dormaa West District recorded 57 cases, Berekum West District 27 cases, while Banda District registered the lowest figure with seven cases.
Mr Bambilla attributed the continued spread of HIV partly to risky sexual behaviours and called on the public to take responsibility for their health by practising safe sex and regularly testing to know their HIV status.
He stressed that early detection remained critical in managing the virus and preventing further transmission.
The GAC Regional Coordinator further encouraged communities to support HIV prevention initiatives and reduce stigma against persons living with HIV to ensure they access treatment and care without fear.
