Kpone (Near Tema) – One thousand, three hundred and ninety people are currently living with HIV/AIDS in the Kpone-Katamanso Municipality, Dr Jemima Querte Mensah, the Medical Superintendent of the Kpone District Hospital, has announced.
Dr Jemima Querte Mensah made the revelation during this year’s World AIDS Day celebration held in Kpone, where stakeholders gathered to raise awareness and renew commitments toward combating the disease.
The Medical Superintendent of the Kpone District Hospital noted that Kpone alone accounted for more than 50 per cent of the total number of the persons living with the virus within the municipality, describing the situation as alarming and one that required urgent attention from community leaders, health authorities and the public.
She explained that the increasing number of cases could be linked to persistent stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV, which discourages early testing and treatment.
According to her, many individuals preferred to hide their status rather than seek medical support due to the fear of being judged or isolated.
The medical superintendent emphasised that contracting HIV was not a death sentence, indicating that early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and proper medical guidance could help infected persons live long and productive lives.
Dr Mensah called for intensified education, community support, and the elimination of stigma to encourage more people to know their HIV status and access available health services.
GNA
