Ajumako records over 120 new HIV cases in two months

Health authorities in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District of the Central Region say they are grappling with a worrying rise in HIV infections, with more than 120 new cases recorded within two months.

The Senior Nursing Officer at the Ajumako District Government Hospital, Godsway Fia, said investigations indicate that some residents are engaging in unprotected sex, while others diagnosed with HIV are neglecting their medication.

According to him, the situation has worsened since 2025, with some affected persons reportedly treating HIV/AIDS as a minor illness, increasing the risk of transmission within communities.

Health officials also expressed concern about a rise in typhoid fever cases in the district, describing Ajumako Enyan Essiam as a typhoid-prone area that requires urgent public health interventions.

The concerns were raised during a tour of government institutions by the District Chief Executive (DCE), where the Health Directorate outlined several operational challenges affecting healthcare delivery.

These include inadequate staffing levels, land encroachment on health facilities, and the lack of fencing around the district hospital and staff bungalows, which has exposed workers to theft and armed robbery.

Some health facilities, including those at Ajumako Kwanyarko and Enyanmaim, were described as being in poor condition, with leaking roofs that have led to the destruction of medical records during rainfall. The absence of staff accommodation was also cited as a factor discouraging health workers from accepting postings to the district.

Speaking to GHOne News, the District Chief Executive, Andrews Kojo Duodu, acknowledged the challenges and pledged to work with relevant authorities to address them.

He said issues beyond his mandate would be escalated to the Member of Parliament for the area, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Minister of Health for urgent attention.

Duodu also urged residents to take their health seriously by seeking regular medical care, knowing their HIV and other disease status, and adopting healthy lifestyles.

The DCE inspected several uncompleted health-related projects during the tour and promised to support efforts to complete them, while commending health workers in the district for their commitment to delivering quality healthcare under difficult conditions.

Meanwhile, watch as NDC MPs and party leadership pay tribute to late Naser Toure Mahama