According to a 2017 Sentinel Survey Report, HIV prevalence rate in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis stood at 1.6, against the regional and national prevalence rate of 2.4 and 2.1 respectively. This represent a significant drop in the prevalence rate of 3.0 recorded in 2016.
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Despite the fall in the prevalence rate, Mayor for the STMA, Anthony K.K Sam remarked that a conscientious effort be made to eradicate the disease as stipulated in the UNAIDS 2030 agenda.
Speaking at an ordinary meeting held by the assembly last week, Hon. K.K Sam entreated the citizenry to get tested for the disease, and as well, seek early treatment if tested positive.
“We should not be carried away by this achievement and I wish to appeal to you [honourable members of this house], to encourage every citizen of Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis to get tested for HIV to know their status and seek early treatment if tested HIV positive. This is the only way we can, as a Metropolis and a nation, eliminate HIV by the year 2030 as stipulated by the UNAIDS”, he said.
Hon. K.K Sam mentioned that metro AIDS committee organized a review meeting with key stakeholders on September 14, 2018 to design strategies for the last quarter of the year and beyond, as part of efforts to eradicated the disease in the country.
In light of this, the Mayor noted “the assembly has re-constituted the metro AIDS Committee pursuant to the Ghana AIDS Commission Act, 2016 (ACT 938) and awaiting inauguration by the Ghana AIDS Commission.
Story: Skyy News
