Western region has recorded an increase in HIV infections in 2012 according to the Ghana Aids Commission. Latest figures from the region indicate that about 1,554 infections were recorded for the year 2012. The figures also indicate an increase in the infection among women compared to men. 966 women were infected as against 588 men. According to the GNA, Regional Coordinator of the Technical Unit of the Commission, Abu Mahama, said 776 new infections were recorded in the first quarter of this year. He said the prevalence rate in the region had shot up from 1.9% in 2011 to 2.4% in 2012. He said between 2009 to 2011, the number of persons living with HIV was more than 12,000. Out of the number, Mr. Mahama explained, 3,318 of them were pregnant women and 651 were children. Touching on available facilities in the country, Mr. Mahama said only 16 out of the 407 health facilities are offering services to persons living with the virus, living a gap of 96%. He said the current figure has gone up because of the failure on the part of the local assemblies to support funding activities for those living with the virus. Mr. Mahama said the situation is responsible for the current rise.