Health authorities in the Kpandai District have raised concerns over rising HIV infections after two major health facilities in the area recorded a combined 93 new cases between January 2025 and February 2026.
The cases were recorded at the Kpandai District Hospital and the Evangelical Church of Ghana Hospital, with health officials warning that women and young people remain the most affected groups.
Kpandai District Hospital records 71 cases
Data from the Kpandai District Hospital indicate that 60 HIV infections were confirmed in 2025, while an additional 11 cases were recorded in the first two months of 2026. All 71 patients have been enrolled on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Health officials described the situation as worrying, noting that the majority of the new infections involve females, particularly young women.
The facility also recorded 13 exposure cases in 2025 resulting from cuts and accidental medical contact, with all affected individuals receiving immediate post-exposure prophylaxis treatment.
Substance abuse has also emerged as a troubling trend in the district. Between February 2023 and February 2026, the hospital documented 34 drug- and substance-related cases, 31 of which involved males. Some of the affected youth were admitted in critical condition due to excessive alcohol and drug use.
According to health authorities, the district currently ranks third in HIV prevalence in the Northern Region after Tamale and Yendi.
They attributed the rising infections to rapid population growth, risky sexual behaviour including multiple sexual partners, irregular public education campaigns and limited funding for prevention programmes. Certain cultural practices, such as widow inheritance without prior HIV testing, have also been cited as contributing factors.
ECG Hospital records 32 cases
The Evangelical Church of Ghana Hospital recorded 22 confirmed HIV cases in 2025 and an additional 10 cases between January and February 2026. The facility also documented seven exposure cases within the same period, with all affected persons receiving prompt treatment.
The Counselling Officer at the hospital, Ruth Ama Badu Akonenyge, described the HIV prevalence rate in the district as high, particularly among persons aged between 18 and 45 years, with females being the hardest hit.
In an interview with Graphic Online, Ms Akonenyge attributed the surge in infections to multiple sexual partnerships and inconsistent condom use.
“The virus is real in Kpandai,” she stressed, urging residents, especially the youth, to abstain from casual sex, remain faithful to one partner or use condoms consistently to reduce transmission.
She said the hospital had intensified HIV testing and counselling services to promote early detection and treatment but expressed concern about persistent shortages and occasional unavailability of test kits.
Ms Akonenyge also cited denial, stigma and discrimination as major challenges affecting HIV control efforts in the district. She explained that some infected persons struggle to accept their status, while fear of social rejection discourages others from testing early or adhering to treatment.
She encouraged persons who test positive to disclose their status to their partners to help prevent further spread of the virus and comply fully with prescribed medication and precautionary measures. She also urged residents to take advantage of voluntary testing services, noting that early detection improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Leaders raise alarm
The Queen Mother of Katiejeli, Nana Abunabaso I, described the situation as a growing public health crisis.
“Our youth are destroying themselves with drugs and unprotected sex. This affects their dignity, their health, and their future,” she told Graphic Online.
She called on the police, the District Assembly, traditional authorities and religious leaders to intensify efforts against illegal drug sales and strengthen moral and health education. She also urged parents to monitor their children more closely.
Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive, Haruna Abdul-Karim, announced the formation of a District HIV/AIDS Committee to strengthen awareness campaigns and pledged financial support from the Assembly.
He also appealed to the Ministry of Health, the Ghana AIDS Commission, non-governmental organisations and development partners to provide additional support to help curb new infections.
Call for urgent action
Health authorities are calling for sustained public education, expanded voluntary testing, improved access to testing kits and increased funding to reverse the rising trend.
With women and young people bearing the brunt of the infections, stakeholders warn that urgent and coordinated interventions are required to prevent the situation from escalating further.