Bono Region battles twin crises: HIV surge and doctor shortages in 2025

The Bono Region is facing two major health crises in 2025: a severe shortage of medical staff and a rising number of HIV infections. With only 12 out of 30 assigned medical officers currently working, healthcare services are under growing pressure. At the same time, the region has recorded the highest HIV infection rate in Ghana, with 1,853 new cases this year alone. The region's health system is struggling due to a lack of essential staff. Pharmaceutical workers, laboratory scientists, and community health nurses are in critically short supply. As a result, patients face longer waiting times, overworked employees handle heavier workloads, and overall efficiency has dropped.

HIV infections have surged, with an average of 38 new cases reported each week. The prevalence rate now stands at 2.2 percent—the highest in the country. Dr Osei Kuffour Afreh, the Bono Regional Health Director, has warned that staff shortages and migration are worsening service delivery. In response, Dr Afreh is pushing for stronger community-based advocacy. He stressed the need for renewed prevention efforts and safer lifestyle choices to curb the spread of HIV.

The Bono Region's health sector is under strain from both staffing gaps and rising HIV cases. With only a fraction of medical officers present and infections climbing, authorities are calling for immediate action. Reinforcing prevention campaigns and improving workforce retention remain key priorities for the coming months.