Bono Region Records Nearly 20,000 HIV Cases, Commission Calls for Urgent Action

The Bono Region has documented 19,979 individuals living with HIV and AIDS, according to Ahmed Ibrahim Bambila, the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC).

He revealed that the region also registered 875 new HIV infections, describing the statistics as “alarming” and stressing the need for stronger, coordinated measures to address the root causes and curb further spread.

Mr. Bambila made these remarks during the inauguration of the Bono Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (RECCOM) in Sunyani on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

The nine-member committee, chaired by Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has been tasked with spearheading and harmonizing HIV-related programmes in the region to reduce infections and improve care.

Highlighting the drivers of transmission, Mr. Bambila pointed to low condom use, multiple sexual partners, stigma and discrimination, inadequate sexual health education, migration, transactional sex, and limited access to HIV services.

According to the 2024 Regional HIV Estimates, Bono’s HIV prevalence rate stands at 2.22 percent among people aged 15 to 49—above the national average.

District-Level HIV Statistics in Bono Region

Mr. Bambila appealed to community leaders, health institutions, civil society organizations, and traditional authorities to intensify education and advocacy, reduce stigma, encourage safe sexual practices, and expand access to testing and treatment services.