Health authorities in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District of the Central Region have raised concern over a surge in HIV/AIDS cases, accusing some persons living with the virus of refusing medication and engaging in behaviours that risk spreading the disease within communities.
According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the district, more than 120 new HIV cases have been recorded within the past two months alone.
Senior Nursing Officer at the Ajumako District Government Hospital, Godsway Fia, disclosed that the district has experienced a steady rise in HIV/AIDS cases since 2025. He attributed the trend to unprotected sexual activity and the refusal of some infected persons to adhere to antiretroviral treatment.
Mr. Fia noted that some patients treat HIV/AIDS as a minor illness, ignoring medical advice and prescribed medication, thereby increasing the risk of transmission. He also revealed that the district is recording a high number of typhoid fever cases, describing Ajumako Enyan Essiam as a typhoid-prone area requiring urgent public health interventions.
During a recent tour of government institutions by the District Chief Executive (DCE), the Health Directorate outlined several challenges affecting healthcare delivery. These include inadequate staffing, land encroachment on health facilities, and the absence of fencing around the hospital and staff bungalows, exposing them to theft and armed robbery.
Some health facilities, including those at Ajumako Kwanyarko and Enyanmaim, were described as being in deplorable condition, with leaking roofs that damage patient records during rainfall. The directorate also cited the lack of staff accommodation as a major factor discouraging health workers from accepting postings to the district.
In an interview with GHOne News, the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District Chief Executive, Hon. Andrews Kojo Duodu, pledged to address the challenges confronting the Health Directorate. He said issues beyond his authority would be escalated to the Member of Parliament, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Minister for Health.
The DCE urged residents to seek medical care, know their HIV and other disease status, and adopt healthy lifestyles. He also inspected uncompleted health infrastructure projects in the district and promised support to ensure their completion, while commending health workers for their commitment to quality healthcare delivery.
