The Ashanti Region recorded a drop in new HIV infections in 2025, although its overall HIV prevalence remained unchanged at 1.59 per cent.
Figures from the 2025 National and Sub-National HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections indicate that new infections in the region fell from almost 3,000 to approximately 2,800 during the year. (Ghana News Agency)
The Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Olivia Graham, described the reduction as encouraging but stressed the need for continued efforts to prevent further infections and support people living with HIV.
Speaking at a stakeholder forum in Kumasi, she encouraged residents to undergo regular HIV testing to establish their status and seek treatment promptly where necessary. (Moder testing and treatment can help people living with HIV maintain their health while also reducing the risk of sexual transmission.
At the district level, Asokwa recorded the highest HIV prevalence at 3.25 per cent, followed by Juaben at 2.95 per cent, Offinso at 2.68 per cent and Asante Akim North at 2.62 per cent. (Ghana News Agency)
Other districts with relatively high rates included Old Tafo with 2.47 per cent, Amansie South with 2.17 per cent, Obuasi at 2.22 per cent, Bekwai at 2.14 per cent and Obuasi East at 2.01 per cent.
Kumasi had the largest number of people living with HIV among the districts listed, with 7,534 cases and a prevalence rate of 1.94 per cent. (Modern Ghana)
Madam Graham also identified stigma as a major obstacle to HIV prevention and treatment, urging the public to avoid discriminating against people living with the virus.
She called for greater use of testing services and encouraged those who test positive to begin treatment and receive the necessary support.
She further stressed that consistent adherence to treatment is important for maintaining the health of people living with HIV and lowering the possibility of sexual transmission.
The GAC official also called for sustained attention to children living with HIV, with the latest estimates covering children between zero and 14 years.
She urged stakeholders to step up public education, testing, treatment and anti-stigma programmes to sustain the reduction in new infections across the region.
