The Ahafo Regional Health Directorate has raised concerns over a sharp rise in HIV cases, particularly among adolescents and young people.

Speaking at a press briefing in Hwidiem, Regional Director of Health Services Dr. Akosua Owusu-Sarpong revealed that between January and June 2025, the region recorded 636 new HIV infections.

Alarmingly, about 14 per cent of these cases involved adolescents and teenagers.

Dr. Owusu-Sarpong described the situation as “alarming, scary, and dangerous,” stressing that young people, who should be focused on their education, are instead engaging in risky sexual behaviour.

She appealed to journalists and media outlets in the region to support the directorate’s public education campaigns to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Dr. Owusu-Sarpong further urged persons living with the virus to avoid intentionally infecting others and encouraged them to visit health facilities for treatment and medication to help maintain healthy lives.