20/08/2026
DENKYEMBOUR DISTRICT ASSEMBLY HOLDS SECOND DISTRICT AIDS COMMITTEE (DAC) MEETING FOR 2026
The Denkyembour District AIDS Committee held its second meeting for the year 2026 on Wednesday, 19th August 2026. The meeting brought together members and relevant stakeholders to review HIV and AIDS-related activities undertaken during the year, examine HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC) and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) data, and discuss preparations towards the 2026 World AIDS Day celebration. In his opening remarks, the Chairman welcomed members and emphasized the importance of regular review of HIV interventions and the use of program data to guide planning and strengthen the District's HIV response.
The District HIV Focal Person, Mabel T. Acheampong, presented an overview of HIV-related activities undertaken in 2026. These included monitoring of ART and PMTCT Centres and prayer camps, radio sensitization on HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy, and school-based sensitization on HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. The monitoring exercise covered St. Dominic Hospital, Ghana Consolidated Diamonds (GCD) Hospital, Wenchi Salvation Army Hospital and Takrowase Polyclinic, as well as prayer camps at Takrowase, Okumaning and Akwatia Gethsemane. The exercise found that ART and PMTCT services were generally being implemented effectively, with health workers demonstrating commitment despite resource limitations. Facilities generally maintained appropriate records and had systems for clinical reviews, laboratory investigations, viral load monitoring and counselling to support treatment adherence.
The monitoring also identified challenges including inadequate trained personnel, treatment adherence difficulties, stigma and discrimination, particularly in Wenchi, resource constraints and the influence of alternative healing practices. The Committee noted the need to train additional personnel in HIV counselling and testing, increase resources for outreach and sensitization, strengthen referral linkages between prayer camps and health facilities, and strengthen support groups for Persons Living with HIV.
The Committee further reviewed HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy sensitization activities conducted in selected basic schools in Akwatia, Boadua and Wenchi from 30th June to 2nd July 2026. The sessions covered HIV transmission, signs and symptoms, misconceptions, prevention, testing and treatment, as well as teenage pregnancy. Challenges included limited time, large numbers of pupils and inadequate educational materials. The Committee supported the recommendation for regular school-based HIV education and increased provision of educational materials. Radio sensitization was also conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service on Denkyembour 95.3 FM and Akwatia 102.3 FM, generating educative interaction with the public.
The Committee subsequently reviewed HIV Testing and Counselling data for January to June 2026. A total of 2,532 persons were tested for HIV, comprising 1,203 males and 1,329 females. Of these, 163 persons tested positive, comprising 61 males and 102 females. 117 were recorded as actual/new positive cases, while 46 had previously tested positive. A total of 120 persons were linked to care, comprising 46 males and 74 females. The Committee noted the need to sustain HIV prevention and testing efforts while improving linkage to care and treatment adherence.
The PMTCT data also received considerable attention. Against an ANC target of 3,258, the District recorded 1,151 ANC registrants, representing 35.32 percent. Of these, 1,142 women were initially tested for HIV, representing 99.2 percent. Twenty-two women tested positive at initial testing, and all 22 were reported to be on treatment, representing 100 percent treatment coverage among those identified. In addition, 1,149 women were tested for syphilis, representing 99.82 percent, with all 12 women who tested positive receiving treatment.
The Committee identified high HIV incidence, PMTCT concerns, stigma, non-compliance and financial challenges as key issues requiring continued attention. Members stressed the importance of early HIV testing, prompt linkage to care, sustained treatment adherence, stigma reduction and stronger PMTCT interventions. The Committee also discussed the 2026 World AIDS Day celebration and emphasized the need for adequate planning, stakeholder mobilization and public education. The attached presentations do not specify the final theme, venue, program or budget for the celebration.
In conclusion, the meeting provided an important platform for assessing progress and identifying gaps in the District's HIV and AIDS response. While positive achievements were noted in HIV testing among pregnant women and treatment coverage for women identified as HIV positive, persistent challenges such as stigma, treatment non-compliance, inadequate trained personnel and resource constraints require sustained attention. The Chairman, in his closing remarks, thanked members for their participation and encouraged continued collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen HIV prevention, testing, treatment, PMTCT and support services throughout the District. The meeting was subsequently brought to a close.