Berekum West Ranks 10th for HIV/AIDS Cases in Ghana

Berekum West District recorded 60 new HIV infections in 2025, placing it tenth nationally, officials said during the World AIDS Day awareness event in Jinjini.

The district’s tally of sixty cases—fifty females and ten males—makes it the tenth‑most affected district in Ghana, according to District Public Health Nurse Leticia Adutwuwaa.

“The higher number of female infections is largely due to routine antenatal screening for pregnant women,” the district HIV/AIDS focal person explained.

Adutwuwaa added that the relatively low reported figures do not reflect the true prevalence, pointing to low testing rates despite the presence of thirteen health facilities throughout the district.

“Many residents remain hesitant to be tested even though services are readily available,” she said.

Health Promotion Officer Emmanuel Kwadwo urged the public to get tested, seek early treatment and reject stigma, noting that fear of testing is a major obstacle.

“Early diagnosis saves lives and curtails transmission,” Kwadwo stated.

District Chief Executive Collins Asomah expressed concern over the rising infections among young people and pledged to work closely with the Health Directorate.

“We will intensify public education, reduce stigma and expand testing to curb the spread of HIV,” Asomah affirmed.

Authorities plan to launch targeted outreach programmes in schools and communities over the coming months, with follow‑up data expected later this year.

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