HIV infections surge among gay men in Bono Region, GAC warns of urgent prevention need

The Ghana AIDS Commission has raised fresh alarm over a sharp increase in HIV infections among gay men in the Bono Region, with new data revealing that one in four homosexual men are living with the virus. The alarming prevalence rate underscores persistent health disparities affecting key populations and highlights gaps in prevention and treatment outreach across Ghana's health infrastructure.

According to Ahmed Ibrahim Bambilla, the GAC's Regional Coordinator for Bono, Bono East and Ahafo, the HIV prevalence among homosexual men currently stands at 26 per cent—significantly higher than the national average. The figures were disclosed during a media briefing in Sunyani, where Mr Bambilla also noted that HIV prevalence among commercial sex workers in the region stood at 6 per cent, though he expressed particular concern about the trajectory among gay populations.

Prevention efforts and treatment strategies

In response to these trends, the GAC is intensifying prevention campaigns targeting vulnerable populations through distribution of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly effective antiretroviral medication that can prevent HIV infection when taken consistently. Mr Bambilla emphasised that adherence to PrEP protocols significantly reduces transmission risk among at-risk groups.

The Commission is also pushing a treatment-as-prevention approach, highlighting that consistent antiretroviral therapy leads to viral suppression—a state where the viral load becomes so low that transmission to others becomes extremely difficult or impossible. Ghana has achieved 89 per cent viral suppression nationally, a milestone Mr Bambilla stressed demonstrates the efficacy of medication when taken correctly.

For persons already living with HIV, the GAC coordinator urged strict medication adherence, noting that consistent treatment over six months can achieve full viral suppression, transforming the virus from a transmissible condition into a manageable chronic illness.

Why it matters for Ghana

Ghana's HIV response has made significant progress over recent decades, but disparities persist among key populations. The high prevalence rate among gay men in the Bono Region suggests that prevention messaging and healthcare access remain uneven across regions and communities. This is particularly important given Ghana's legal and social environment, where LGBTQ+ individuals often face stigma that can discourage testing, treatment-seeking and healthcare engagement.

The challenge extends beyond individual health to public health strategy. While Ghana has achieved strong national viral suppression rates, pockets of high transmission persist. Closing these gaps requires targeted, culturally sensitive health interventions and reduced stigma in healthcare settings to encourage key populations to access testing and treatment without fear of discrimination.

The GAC's focus on PrEP distribution and treatment-as-prevention reflects global best practice, but effectiveness depends on sustained funding, training of healthcare workers, and community trust. For Ghana to move toward epidemic control, these prevention strategies must reach those most vulnerable—a goal that demands both public health innovation and commitment to health equity across all populations.