Eid-ul-Fitr: Rising HIV cases in Kpandai spark concern; DCE calls for urgent action
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Kpandai, Haruna Abdul-Karim, has called for intensified public education and collective action following concerns over rising HIV cases in the district, as highlighted in a recent publication by Graphic Online.
The report, which has sent shockwaves across the Kpandai township, revealed that 93 HIV-positive cases were recorded within 14 months in two health facilities in the area. The development has raised alarm among local authorities and residents, with fears of a growing public health challenge if urgent interventions are not implemented.
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.
Addressing Muslim congregants during "Eid-ul-Fitr" prayers in Kpandai, Mr. Abdul-Karim described the situation as troubling, noting that the figures do not present a positive image of the district.
He stressed the need for immediate and coordinated measures to stem the spread of the infection.
Mr. Abdul-Karim called on religious leaders, traditional authorities, queen mothers, youth and women groups, market associations, and keep-fit clubs to rally support towards intensified HIV education, awareness creation, and community sensitisation.
According to him, tackling the situation requires a multi-sectoral approach involving both state institutions and community-based actors. He revealed that the District Assembly is already engaging key stakeholders to roll out comprehensive awareness campaigns aimed at reducing new infections.
The DCE also urged parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children’s behaviour, particularly their sexual choices, to help prevent risky practices that could expose them to HIV infection.
He further advised the youth—especially sexually active young men and women—to exercise caution in their relationships and prioritise safe sex practices, including consistent condom use or abstinence.
Mr. Abdul-Karim emphasised the importance of early testing and prompt reporting, noting that timely diagnosis and adherence to treatment remain critical in controlling the spread of HIV.
Health experts have consistently warned that stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to testing services often contribute to rising infection rates in many rural districts. They stress that sustained public education, community engagement, and improved healthcare access are essential to reversing the trend.
The situation in Kpandai underscores the growing need for intensified public health interventions to curb the spread of HIV and safeguard the well-being of residents.
