The Wa Regional Hospital has since 1999 recorded a total of 983 HIV/AIDS cases though there are indications that this might be the tip of the iceberg as most patients refuse to report at the hospital.
Mr. Sahanun Mogtari, Upper West Regional Minister, made this known in an address read for him during a musical concert to create awareness of HIV/AIDS at Wa on Friday.
The event, organised by musicians from the region, was sponsored by Tee Pee Trading Enterprise, Malma GOIL, Ministry of Health, FOKA Enterprises and other organisations and individuals.
It featured local musicians such as SLY BANJO and FEE RANKEN who also launched his debut cassette album - Nurse-Rasta.
Mr. Mogtari said HIV/AIDS has gained a pandemic status and therefore needs a multi-sectoral approach involving parents, youth associations, students and non-governmental organisations to check its spread.
He advised teachers and parents to give children sex education to enable them to appreciate the dangers of pre-marital sex and its consequences.
He also called on all those engaged in HIV/AIDS and health education programmes to extend their activities to the rural areas where the illiteracy rate is high
