A Health Consultant at the Sunyani branch of the 21st Clinic, Dr. Thomas Kyere, has raised concern over the growing rate of new HIV infections in the Sunyani Municipality, describing the situation as alarming and requiring urgent public attention.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Kyere emphasized the need for intensified public education and awareness to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS, particularly among young people.
He noted that although HIV can be transmitted through several means, unsafe sexual practices continue to be the leading cause of new infections. He therefore called on adolescents and the general public to prioritize regular testing to know their status and take appropriate preventive measures.
Dr. Kyere stressed that many individuals are currently living with the virus, underscoring the importance of voluntary testing as a critical step in controlling its spread. He further encouraged self-protection as the most reliable defense against infectious diseases.
While advocating abstinence, he also advised those who are sexually active to practice safe sex to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of strict adherence to antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV, explaining that consistent treatment helps prevent complications and enables them to live longer, healthier lives.
He further called for stronger public health campaigns to promote HIV self-testing and improve understanding of how the virus spreads, noting that increased awareness remains key in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
