The Berekum Municipality in Ghana’s Bono Region is facing a concerning surge in new HIV infections, recording the highest prevalence rate in the region at 3.34 percent. This alarming trend, revealed by the 2023 HIV and AIDS Sentinel Survey conducted by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), has prompted health officials to call for urgent action. Mr. Mark Kyeremeh Oppong, the Bono Regional Technical Officer for Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the entire Bono Region is experiencing a worrying upward trajectory in HIV prevalence. This marks the third consecutive year the region has held this unenviable distinction, underscoring the need for thorough investigations to uncover the root causes driving the persistent increase in infections.
One of the key strategies being employed to combat the spread of HIV is focused on promoting safe sexual practices among young people. Mr. Oppong stressed the importance of abstinence from premarital sex and avoiding multiple sexual partners. Recognizing that abstinence might not be feasible for all, he urged consistent condom use for those engaging in sexual activity. This message was delivered during the launch of “Miss Elegance Tertiary Ghana 2025,” a beauty pageant organized by the Reproductive Needs and Fitness (RENEF) Foundation, a health-focused NGO. The pageant serves as a platform to amplify awareness about reproductive health and gender equality, while simultaneously encouraging tertiary students to undergo voluntary HIV testing.
The “Miss Elegance Tertiary Ghana 2025” pageant is not merely a beauty competition but a strategic vehicle for RENEF to intensify its “know your HIV status” campaign, specifically targeting tertiary students. Mrs. Abigail Antwi-Baafi, CEO of RENEF, explained that the organization has embraced entertainment as a powerful tool to address critical health and social needs. The campaign dovetails with the Ghana AIDS Commission’s “95-95-95” agenda, a global initiative by UNAIDS which aims to ensure that 95 percent of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on ART achieve viral suppression. This multifaceted approach emphasizes both prevention and treatment in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
RENEF’s efforts to promote safe sex practices extend beyond advocacy. The foundation is actively distributing free condoms as a tangible measure to prevent new infections. By providing readily available access to condoms, RENEF is empowering individuals to take control of their sexual health and make informed choices. The inclusion of 12 tertiary institutions, encompassing both Technical Universities and Colleges of Education, across the country in the beauty pageant underscores the broad reach of the campaign. This inclusive approach ensures that the message of HIV prevention and awareness resonates with diverse student populations nationwide.
The alarming rise in HIV infections in the Bono Region, particularly within the Berekum Municipality, paints a stark picture of the ongoing challenges in combating the epidemic. While the “95-95-95” agenda provides a roadmap for global action, the situation in Bono underscores the need for context-specific interventions. Research to identify the underlying factors driving the persistent increase in infections is crucial for developing effective strategies. The initiatives undertaken by RENEF, utilizing the platform of a beauty pageant to raise awareness and promote safe sex practices, represent a proactive approach to engaging young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The combination of targeted awareness campaigns, accessible testing, and readily available preventive measures like condoms is essential for curbing the spread of HIV. The “Miss Elegance Tertiary Ghana 2025” pageant serves as a testament to the innovative ways organizations like RENEF are working to reach young people. By engaging tertiary students through entertainment and education, the campaign fosters a sense of responsibility and empowers them to make informed decisions about their sexual health. The collaboration between RENEF and the Ghana AIDS Commission in aligning with the “95-95-95” agenda further strengthens the national response to the HIV epidemic. Ultimately, a comprehensive approach that addresses both prevention and treatment is critical for achieving sustained progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ghana.
