See The Estimated Number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) [80+ years] Over 34,000 New Cases Reported Including Central Region

Estimated Number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) [80+ years]

This table is not merely a set of numbers; it is a reflection of the ongoing public health challenge posed by HIV across different districts in Ghana. By breaking down the estimated numbers by age, gender, and region, the image gives stakeholders—health professionals, policymakers, and the general public—an informed view of how HIV affects communities differently.

The following analysis dives deep into the components of the table: the total figures, the age and gender distribution, district‑specific patterns, data inconsistencies, and what these numbers mean for HIV interventions and planning.

Overall Totals and Key Figures

The top of the image highlights the total number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV): 24,184. This figure, covering all age groups from 0–80+ years, is a critical statistic because it represents the combined burden across the districts in focus.

Adults vs. Children

The data separates adults (15+ years) and children (0–14 years):

 Adults (15+ years): 22,749

Children (0–14 years): 1,435

This means adults account for the overwhelming majority of HIV cases, which is consistent with global patterns. HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, and therefore, adults are statistically more at risk. The figure of 1,435 children suggests perinatal transmission—where mothers pass the virus to their babies during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding—remains a challenge.

Gender Breakdown

Among adults:

• Males: 6,596

• Females: 71% of adult cases, which equals 16,153 females

This gender difference is striking. Women represent a much higher proportion of adults living with HIV. This pattern can be linked to multiple factors:

• Biological vulnerability of women to HIV infection.

• Socio‑economic inequalities that may limit women’s access to preventive tools.

• Cultural dynamics that can make negotiating safe sex more difficult for women.

• The impact of mother‑to‑child transmission, since infected women may already be counted in adult statistics.

These numbers tell a story that health interventions must consider gender‑sensitive strategies to effectively combat HIV.

District-Specific Data and Patterns

The heart of the image is a table listing 22 districts, each with its corresponding estimates of people living with HIV. The table has three main columns:

1. Adults (15+ years)

2. Children (0–14 years)

3. All Ages Total

These district-level figures allow for geographical mapping of HIV prevalence. Some districts have significantly higher totals, while others report lower numbers.

High-Burden Districts

One district stands out in the dataset:

• Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA): 2,407 PLHIV (all ages)

This figure is more than four times higher than some smaller districts. A high total could be due to:

• A larger population base in the district.

• Higher local prevalence.

• More thorough testing and reporting mechanisms compared to other districts.

Regardless of the cause, high‑burden districts like KEEA may need additional resources such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics, community outreach programs, and preventive education campaigns.

Lower-Burden Districts

At the other end of the scale:

• Gomoa Central: 513 PLHIV (all ages)

A smaller figure might suggest lower prevalence or simply a smaller population. However, low numbers should not lead to complacency—consistent screening and education are still necessary to maintain low transmission rates.

Observations About the Table Data

1. Data Completeness and Accuracy

While the table is comprehensive, it is noted that some data entries appear unclear. For instance, “Gomoa East” is listed twice with different numbers. This could be due to:

• Administrative overlaps or errors in data compilation.

• Recent district boundary changes, causing duplication.

• A formatting or reporting issue.

Such discrepancies, while small, matter a great deal in public health planning. Accurate data is vital for equitable distribution of resources and targeted interventions.

2. Variation Across Districts

The table likely reflects not only differences in HIV prevalence but also variations in population size, urbanization, and access to health services. Urban areas with more people and better testing facilities might report higher numbers simply because more people get tested. Conversely, underreporting might occur in rural districts with fewer clinics.

Implications for Public Health

Data like this is more than academic—it has real‑world uses. Here are some ways these figures can guide interventions:

Resource Allocation

High‑burden districts can be prioritized for:

• Establishing or expanding ART centers.

• Deploying mobile clinics for remote areas.

• Increasing community-based education programs.

Targeted Prevention

The gender disparity shows a clear need for programs that empower women. For example:

• Promoting female-controlled prevention methods like Pre‑Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and female condoms.

• Integrating HIV education into maternal health services.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Comparing these numbers over time allows health agencies to track progress. A decline in new cases or a reduction in child infections would indicate that prevention programs are working.

Community Engagement

District-level data enables local leaders to mobilize their communities. Chiefs, religious leaders, and youth groups can be engaged with specific numbers relevant to their district, making the message more relatable and urgent.

Challenges in Interpretation

While these numbers are helpful, interpreting them requires caution:

• Population Size Matters: A district with 2,000 PLHIV might have a higher burden in absolute terms, but if its population is 500,000, the prevalence rate might be lower than a smaller district with 1,000 PLHIV out of 50,000 people.

• Data Collection Methods: Are these estimates from modeling or from actual testing data? If based on sampling, there could be margins of error.

• Stigma and Underreporting: Social stigma associated with HIV can discourage people from getting tested, which means the true number of PLHIV might be higher than reported.

Towards a Data-Informed Future

A table like this is a snapshot of a complex public health landscape. Beyond the numbers, it speaks to the progress Ghana has made in identifying cases and the work still ahead to support those living with HIV.

Opportunities for Improvement:

• Ensuring data consistency (e.g., resolving duplicate district entries).

• Providing context alongside raw numbers (e.g., prevalence rates per district).

• Linking data to actionable information (e.g., clinic locations, support hotlines).

Public Health Messaging:

Pairing data with culturally relevant messaging—as seen in other campaigns with captions like “Yoo…let’s all stay protected oo mmm”—can translate statistics into meaningful action. Communities are more likely to respond when numbers are humanized and explained.

Conclusion

The image titled “Estimated Number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) [0–80+ years]” offers more than statistics. It provides insight into where HIV impacts are most concentrated, how adults and children are affected differently, and the gendered realities of the epidemic. With a total of 24,184 people living with HIV across 22 districts, the figures are a call to action for health authorities, NGOs, and local communities.

The dominance of adult cases underscores the importance of ongoing testing and sexual health education, while the presence of 1,435 child cases highlights the need to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The table’s district-level breakdown helps target interventions where they are most needed, even as data anomalies remind us of the importance of accuracy and clarity.

Ultimately, this image is a powerful tool for awareness and advocacy. It shows that HIV is not just a national issue but a local one, touching specific districts and communities. By studying and acting on such data, Ghana and its partners can continue to make strides in reducing HIV prevalence and improving the lives of those already living with the virus.

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If you’d like, I can also help turn this into a formal report, a speech for an awareness event, or even a summary for social media campaigns. Let me know!