The Central Region recorded 1,185 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in 2024, more than the cases it recorded in 2023.

The acting Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Central Region, Dr Agnes Achiama Anane, has, therefore, urged the public to be careful about their sexual exploits to curb the alarming rise in HIV infections.

Speaking at the 2024 Central Regional Annual Health Sector Performance Review Meeting in Cape Coast, Dr Anane expressed concern over the sharp increase in HIV cases in the Central Region, which rose from 2,618 in 2023 to 3,803 in 2024, saying the situation required conscious efforts to reduce transmissions.

The conference was on the theme: "Strengthening outbreak preparedness: The importance of surveillance, coordination, and community engagement.

Dr Anane said the increase must be seen as a wake-up call for all to be more careful in their sexual behaviours, stressing that reckless sexual behaviour not only endangers individuals but also poses a threat to public health.

Education

She emphasised the need for education, testing and treatment accessibility, urging people to take responsibility for their sexual health.

"We cannot afford to be complacent. If we do not act now, we risk undoing years of progress in HIV prevention," she warned.

She encouraged individuals to prioritise knowing their HIV status and to seek medical attention if exposed to any risks.

Beyond HIV, she highlighted other concerning health indicators in the region, pointing out that general mortality increased by 49 per cent, while maternal mortality rose from 71 per 100,000 live births in 2023 to 82 per 100,000 in 2024.

She also stated that skilled delivery rates dropped by 13 per cent, while family planning acceptance declined by 9.7 per cent, underscoring the urgent need for improved reproductive health services.

She also pointed out outbreaks of cholera, influenza, and dengue fever, which further strained the region’s healthcare system.

She said cholera cases alone reached 3,028 suspected cases, with 260 confirmed infections and 19 deaths.

Gaps in WASH

She observed that these outbreaks exposed significant gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, calling for urgent interventions to prevent future public health crises.

Dr Anane described the shortage of skilled healthcare workers, particularly in underserved areas, as a major challenge hampering service delivery.

"A health system is only as strong as its workforce. We need to prioritise training and retention of healthcare professionals," she stated.

To address these concerns, she called for enhanced surveillance systems, improved emergency preparedness, and stronger partnerships between government agencies, local authorities and international health organisations. 

Little progress

Despite the setbacks, she acknowledged some progress, noting improvements in measles-rubella vaccination coverage and a marginal reduction in malaria incidence.

The review, led by a team from the GHS in the Eastern Region, reported that the Central Region’s overall healthcare performance had improved from 3.9 in 2023 to 4.1 in 2024.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Central Regional Minister, Ekow Eduamoah Payin, also raised concern about sanitation issues in the region, which contributed to the rise in cholera cases.

He urged residents to take their health seriously and adopt proper hygiene practices.

The President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefuo Amoakwa Boadu VIII, also commended health professionals for their dedication, acknowledging the risks they took to save lives.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony that recognised outstanding staff and retirees for their contributions to healthcare delivery.