Mr Mohammed Ali, Presiding Member of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly STMA), on Wednesday observed that Ghana’s estimated national HIV prevalence rate rose from 1.7 per cent in 2008 to 1.9 per cent in 2009.

He said in 2009, 267,069 persons were estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS, whilst 25,531 new infections and 20,313 AIDS deaths were recorded.

Mr Ali made the observation when he launched the STI/HIV/AIDS Prevention Project of the Western Regional Branch of the National Drinking Bar Operators Association (NADBOA) in Takoradi.

He said the region has HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 3.1 per cent hence the need for stakeholders to join hands to reduce the rate of the pandemic.
The Presiding Member said Ghana prevalence rate is below the threshold of five per cent, and the less among neighbouring states.

Mr Ali said HIV/AIDS is likely to increase due to Ghana’s oil find in commercial quantities and the influx of migrants.

He said the looming danger is worsened by the lack of behavioural change among the citizenry.

Mr Ali commended NADBOA for launching the project, which he said would check the activities of irresponsible people who patronize drinking bars to lure bar attendants into sexual practices with money and other material gifts.

Mr Mahama Abu, Regional STI/HIV/AIDS Focal Person, said the region recorded HIV prevalence rate of 2.9 per cent in 2008 and 3.1 per cent in 2009.

He said in 2008, the prevalence rate in Sekondi-Takoradi was 3 per cent and in 2009, 4 per cent.
Mr Abu said 6.6 per cent of the victims were women between 25 to 27 years while four per cent were men.

He said high incidence of syphilis is a contributory factor in the spread of HIV/AIDS, saying the venereal disease prevalent rate is nine per cent among people between 25 to 29 years and 40 to 44 years.

Mr Mahama asked members of the association to establish condom outlets in their drinking bars and assist to educate the public about HIV/AIDS.

Mr Kwesi Anwuboh, Regional Chairman of the association said 20 campaign agents would be trained as part of the project to facilitate the provision of information, education and counselling on STI/HIV/AIDS.

He said about 200,000 male and female condoms are expected to be distributed by members while sensitisation workshops would be organised for stakeholders.

Source: GNA

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