The Central Region recorded a dramatic rise in new HIV infections in 2024, with 3,803 new cases, according to the Regional Health Directorate.

This marks a 45.3 percent increase from the 2,168 new infections recorded in 2023, posing a significant risk to the population.

Dr. Agnes Achiamaa Anane, the Acting Regional Director of Health Services, expressed concern over the development, citing substantial pressure on the health system.

She made this statement at the 2024 Central Regional annual performance review meeting in Cape Coast, where the region’s health system was appraised by health officials from the Eastern Regional Health Directorate with a high score.

A two-member team from the Eastern Region visited the Central Region to assess its performance using three key objectives: universal access to better and efficiently managed quality healthcare, reduced avoidable maternal, adolescent, and child deaths and disabilities, and increased access to responsive and public health emergency services.

The region’s overall performance improved from 3.9 in 2023 to 4.1 out of a score of five in 2024.

Regarding the cholera outbreak, Dr. Anane announced that suspected cases in the region stood at 3,028 as of Tuesday, March 18, with 260 of them, including four health workers, confirmed.

Unfortunately, 19 people had succumbed to the infection so far.

She noted that the overall mortality rate in the region increased by 14 percent, with maternal mortality rising from 71 per 100,000 live births in 2023 to 82 per 100,000 live births in 2024.

Despite this, the region saw general improvements in its health situation, recording positive outcomes in the stillbirth rate, Measles-Rubella coverage, incidence of malaria, mother-to-child HIV transmission, and many other areas.

The Acting Regional Director urged the public to take precautionary measures against HIV, advising youth to abstain from sex, use condoms, or avoid multiple sexual partners.

Regarding cholera, she implored citizens to practice proper sanitation and stop open defecation.

She emphasized that cholera remains a major public health concern in the region, with the recent outbreak exposing gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions.

“In response, we are intensifying cholera prevention efforts, conducting mass awareness campaigns, and strengthening surveillance and early response mechanisms to contain and prevent future outbreaks,” she said.

Dr. Anane acknowledged the significant human resource gaps, the lack of technical personnel, and the shortage of necessary equipment in many districts needed to provide quality care in health facilities.

She, however, assured that the directorate was actively engaging relevant authorities on these issues to lessen the burden on health workers and enable them to perform effectively.

Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, in a statement presented on his behalf, applauded the Regional Health Directorate and health workers in the region for their dedicated services and pledged to support them in every possible way to enhance their work.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the health system through various measures, outlining plans in the budgetary allocation to advance national healthcare delivery.

The Regional Minister, however, condemned the poor sanitary conditions in some streets and communities, which have made residents susceptible to infectious diseases, further burdening the health system.

He, therefore, urged all citizens to adopt proper hygiene practices to keep their surroundings clean.

The holistic assessment was introduced seven years ago to serve as the foundation for evaluating health performance across all regions in the nation.

The primary objective of the regional holistic assessment is to provide a brief yet well-informed, balanced, inclusive, and transparent evaluation of the regions.

The Central Regional Health Directorate also presented awards to some retirees for their dedicated service to the region and the country.