Health authorities in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region have confirmed that 30 pregnant women tested positive for HIV during routine antenatal screenings conducted across health facilities in the district.
The development has sparked renewed discussions about sexual health education, early testing, and the fight against mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ghana.
According to information gathered from district health sources, the cases were recorded between January and October 2025 after a total of 1,571 pregnant women were screened as part of standard antenatal care (ANC) services. This places the HIV positivity rate among pregnant women in the district at approximately 1.9 percent.
Routine Screening, Not a Sudden Outbreak
Health officials have been quick to clarify that the figures do not indicate a sudden HIV outbreak, but rather reflect the effectiveness of routine testing during pregnancy. In Ghana, all pregnant women attending antenatal clinics are encouraged to undergo HIV testing to help protect both mother and child.
Medical experts explain that early detection is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against HIV. Once a pregnant woman tests positive, she is immediately linked to care and placed on antiretroviral therapy (ART), which greatly reduces the amount of virus in her body.
“When HIV is detected early and treatment begins promptly, the chances of transmitting the virus from mother to baby are extremely low,” a health worker familiar with the district’s maternal health programs explained.
Protecting Babies Through PMTCT Programs
The Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program remains a key pillar of Ghana’s HIV response. Through this program, HIV-positive pregnant women receive free treatment, counseling, and continuous monitoring throughout pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.
Health officials say all 30 women who tested positive have been enrolled in care and are receiving the necessary medical and psychological support to ensure safe pregnancies and healthy deliveries.
Call for Increased Awareness and Responsible Sexual Behaviour
The situation has reignited calls for stronger HIV awareness campaigns, particularly among young people and women of reproductive age. Public health advocates stress the need for:
•Regular HIV testing
•Faithfulness in relationships
•Correct and consistent condom use
•Early antenatal clinic attendance
•Open conversations about sexual health
They also emphasized the importance of reducing stigma and discrimination, which often discourage people from getting tested or seeking treatment.
Community Involvement Is Key
Community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organizations in Ayensuano have been urged to support health authorities by spreading accurate information about HIV and encouraging residents to take advantage of free testing services.
“Fear and stigma remain major barriers. We need community support to let people understand that HIV is no longer a death sentence and that treatment works,” another health source noted.
Ghana’s Broader HIV Fight Continues
Ghana has made significant progress over the years in reducing HIV-related deaths and new infections, largely due to improved access to testing and treatment. However, health experts warn that complacency could reverse these gains if education and prevention efforts are not sustained.
The Ayensuano District Health Directorate has assured residents that it will continue surveillance, education, and support services to ensure both mothers and babies remain safe.
As authorities intensify public health efforts, residents are encouraged to get tested regularly, practice safe sex, and support those living with HIV rather than stigmatizing them.
Story published by Bigtimezgh.com