New HIV infections spreading ‘like wildfire’ in Berekum Municipality - GHS

Mark Kyeremeh Oppong is the Bono Regional Technical Officer for Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana Health Service (GHS). He reported that new HIV infections are rapidly increasing in Berekum Municipality. The area has the highest HIV and AIDS prevalence rate in Ghana at 3.34 percent.

Mr. Oppong described these statistics from the Ghana AIDS Commission's 2023 survey as alarming. He noted that the entire Bono Region is also showing concerning numbers.

He urged sexually active young people to abstain from premarital sex and multiple partners. For those unable to control their desires, he advised avoiding unprotected sex.

Mr. Oppong spoke during the launch of “Miss Elegance Tertiary Ghana 2025.” This beauty pageant was initiated by the Reproductive Needs and Fitness (RENEF) foundation, a health-focused NGO.

RENEF promotes reproductive health and gender equality. The 2025 beauty pageant aims to encourage tertiary students to check their HIV status voluntarily.

Mr. Oppong expressed concern about Bono Region's high HIV prevalence rates for three consecutive years. He emphasized the urgent need for research on factors driving this rapid spread.

Abigail Antwi-Baafi, CEO of RENEF, stated that they are using the beauty pageant to promote knowing one's HIV status among tertiary students.

She said, “We aim at tackling health and social needs through entertainment.” The campaign also supports the GAC’s “95-95-95” agenda.

UNAIDS has set ambitious treatment targets under Project 95-95-95. This project aims for 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of diagnosed individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on ART achieving viral suppression.

As part of this campaign, Mrs. Antwi-Baafi announced free condom distribution to encourage safe practices against new infections.

Twelve tertiary institutions participated in the beauty pageant, including Technical Universities and Colleges of Education.