A total of 4,850 people in the Techiman Municipality are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), part of the broader 12,997 HIV-positive population in the Bono East Region.
According to the 2023 HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections report by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), Kintampo North Municipality has the second-highest HIV population, with 1,794 cases. Nkoranza South Municipality follows with 1,413 cases, while Techiman North District reports 960 HIV cases. Atebubu-Amantin Municipality has 824 cases, and Kintampo South District reports 781. Other areas with notable cases include Pru East District (749), Sene West District (463), Sene East District (426), Nkoranza North District (418), and Pru West District (319).
In terms of age groups, the region’s highest HIV population is found among those aged 35 to 39, with 1,910 cases, followed by those aged 40 to 44 (1,884 cases) and 30 to 34 (1,819 cases). Other significant age groups include 45 to 49 years (1,502 cases), 25 to 29 years (1,494 cases), and 20 to 24 years (1,005 cases). Older age groups also have reported cases, with 936 individuals aged 50 to 54, 576 aged 55 to 59, 442 aged 15 to 19, and 345 aged 60 to 64. Smaller numbers are seen in younger groups, with 294 cases in 10 to 14-year-olds, 272 in 5 to 9-year-olds, 220 in children under 5, and 172 in those aged 65 to 69. Even older groups, such as those aged 70 to 74 (76 cases), 75 to 79 (34 cases), and 80 years and above (16 cases), also report HIV cases.
The region recorded 714 new HIV infections, with Techiman Municipality leading at 246 new cases, followed by Kintampo North (99 cases) and Techiman North (61 cases).
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Techiman, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Bambila, the GAC Regional Coordinator for Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo, attributed the high number of HIV cases in Techiman to its cosmopolitan nature and active trade activities. He highlighted the need for strong awareness campaigns, stressing that HIV testing is the crucial first step in prevention.
Mr. Bambila urged everyone to get tested to know their HIV status, as awareness and viral suppression can help limit the transmission of the virus.
In response to the rising HIV cases in Techiman, Nkoranza, Kintampo, and surrounding areas, Mr. Bambila mentioned that the implementing partners—Hope for Future Generation (HFFG) and the West African AIDS Foundation (WAAF)—have been assigned to provide targeted interventions. HFFG will focus on supporting female workers and their partners, while WAAF will address the needs of individuals who use and inject drugs, key populations in the fight against HIV.
