Youth account for majority of new HIV infections in Bolgatanga municipality

The Bolgatanga Municipal Health Directorate has raised concerns over the increasing number of young people among newly detected HIV cases in the municipality, warning that the trend could have serious implications for the future workforce and socio-economic development of the area.

Municipal Director of Health Services, Alhaji Alhassan Lawal, said young people constitute the majority of newly detected HIV infections in the municipality, describing the development as worrying because they are expected to play a critical role in driving the municipality’s future development.

He said HIV infections among young people could affect productivity and place additional financial and social burdens on families and the health system.

According to Alhaji Lawal, when an individual becomes ill, family members may have to spend considerable time providing care, reducing their ability to engage in productive economic activities.

He added that the government also bears significant costs in providing treatment, medication and other healthcare services to people living with HIV.

Alhaji Lawal disclosed that the municipality detected 157 new HIV infections in the first half of 2026, compared with 155 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.

Against this background, the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, has launched a radio jingle to intensify public education on HIV prevention, testing and the appropriate steps to take following a positive diagnosis.

The jingle will be broadcast on radio stations within the municipality as part of efforts to reach a wider section of the population, particularly young people.

Health facilities in the municipality will also continue to provide HIV education, testing and linkage to care for people who test positive.

Alhaji Lawal urged residents, particularly young people, to take HIV prevention seriously and encouraged those who had not tested to do so and know their HIV status.

He further appealed to the media and other stakeholders to support health authorities in intensifying public education on HIV prevention and testing to help reverse the trend of new infections in the municipality.

He stressed the need for sustained community education and responsible health-seeking behaviour to protect the health of the municipality’s young population and safeguard the future workforce.