The first spot has for several years been held by the Eastern Region but the latest National Aids/STI Control Programme report shows a drop in the regional ranking of the prevalence rate.

In the latest ranking, Greater Accra recorded a 3.2 percent prevalence rate, the Eastern and Ashanti Regions recorded a 2.7 percent, with the Western Region recording  2.0 percent. The Northern Region recorded a 1.2 percent rate.

Programme Manager of the National Aids/STI Control programme, Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo announced the figures at an HIV survey presentation ceremony in Accra Wednesday.

The HIV Sentinel Survey (HSS) is a cross sectional survey primarily targeting pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinics (ANC) in selected ANC sites in Ghana.

Over the years, the HSS data has been used as the primary data source for the National HIV and AIDS estimates in Ghana.

Addressing participants at the ceremony, Dr Ayisi Addo called on Ghanaians to support the health sector to address the issues of HIV and syphilis in the country.

He noted that there was not a cure yet for the HIV disease, except anti-retroviral drugs which only suppresses the disease.

Dr Ayisi has thus urged stakeholders to intensify education and sensitization of Ghanaians, especially children, on HIV since they are more prone to the disease.

“The sensitization is expected to be taught in schools and other youth programmes and should include topics on abstinence, being faithful to sexual partners and the constant use of condoms and other contraceptives,” he said.

The Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia, pledged government’s commitment at tackling HIV and its related diseases in the country.

He said the government would provide logistics and allocate resources promptly to the sector despite the current economic challenges.

Emmanuel Tawiah Forson|Onua 95.1|3news.com