Women continue to bear the greater burden of HIV in the Volta Region, accounting for 70 percent of people living with the virus and 60 percent of new infections, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission.
The figures were disclosed by the Volta Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Mary Naa Ashley Anyomi, who said the annual HIV estimates remained essential for understanding the spread of the disease and directing the national response.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of a community engagement organised by the GOSANET Foundation at Dzemeni in the South Dayi District, Madam Anyomi said the estimates provided critical evidence for planning, resource allocation and programme prioritisation.
She said the figures represented real people, families and communities, and helped identify areas where progress had been made as well as populations requiring intensified interventions.
According to her, 11 districts account for 84.5 percent of all people living with HIV in the region. They are Ho, Hohoe, Ketu South, North Tongu, South Tongu, Ketu North, Akatsi South, Central Tongu, Keta, Kpando and South Dayi.
She added that seven districts—Ho, Hohoe, Ketu South, South Tongu, Ketu North, Central Tongu and Keta—accounted for 66.1 percent of new HIV infections recorded in the region.
Madam Anyomi further disclosed that nine districts had HIV prevalence rates above both the regional average of 1.41 percent and the national average of 1.40 percent.
The districts are South Tongu, with 1.44 percent; Central Tongu, 1.48 percent; Hohoe and Ketu South, 1.56 percent; Ho, 1.65 percent; North Tongu, 1.84 percent; South Dayi, 1.85 percent; and Keta and Kpando, 1.86 percent.
By contrast, Adaklu, Afadjato South, Akatsi North, Anloga and Ho West recorded prevalence rates below one percent.
The disparities also extend to access to treatment. Ho and Kpando recorded the highest antiretroviral therapy coverage in the region, at 74 percent and 75.1 percent respectively among people of all ages.
Agotime Ziope recorded the lowest ART coverage, at 28 percent.
Madam Anyomi said the data highlighted the need for sustained efforts to reduce new infections, close gaps in access to treatment, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and ensure equitable access to quality HIV services across the region.
