Unsterilised Tools Used by Mobile Pedicurists in Ghana Spark HIV Fears

• An urgent public health alert was issued over the unsafe practices of mobile pedicurists operating in Ghanaian communities
• A concerned Ghanaian recorded a video showing a 'nail cutter' working in unhygienic conditions, raising health concerns
• The public was urged to avoid these services, as unsterilised tools were feared to contribute to the spread of HIV and other infections

An urgent public health alert has been issued over the practices adopted by mobile pedicurists, often referred to as "nail cutters," who operate in local Ghanaian communities.

A concerned Ghanaian resident recorded a video showing the mobile pedicurist working on some clients' feet in a dirty, public setting.

The Ghanaian warned about the health risk of these nail cutters running such operations in different communities.

In the trending video, the Ghanaian man, who was far off from the scene, shared his worries and fears, claiming that the tools being used by the pedicurists are not sterilised before being used on different clients.

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The resident opined that this dangerous practice is contributing to the faster spread of HIV and other serious infections. He went on to urge the public to be careful and called for the practice to cease immediately.

Authorities are being called upon to step in and regulate or stop this practice to prevent a major outbreak of infections in local communities. The public is advised to avoid these services for their own health and safety.

The Instagram video is below:

According to data shared by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofusu, on World AIDS Day 2025, a total of 334,700 people are living with HIV in Ghana.

The statistics showed that Ghana recorded over 15,200 new HIV infections and more than 12,600 AIDS-related deaths in 2024.

Volta Region HIV cases surge

In a similar report, health officials raised the alarm as a report showed a troubling gap in HIV care in the Volta Region, where an estimated 8,076 people diagnosed with the virus were not receiving treatment.

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This came even as the region grappled with a steady rise in new infections, highlighting a dual crisis of prevention and treatment uptake.

According to the 2024 Volta Region HIV Fact Sheet, a total of 19,078 people were living with the disease in the area at the time the report was published.

The data showed a significant gender disparity, with 12,881 females aged 15 and over affected, compared to 4,999 males in the same age group.

Additionally, 1,198 children between the ages of 0 and 14 were living with the virus.

The challenge of getting diagnosed individuals onto treatment plans was a major concern for healthcare providers, as communicated by the relevant officials.

Mr Gustav Boni, the Volta Regional Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Ghana HIV and AIDS Network, explained that the initial diagnosis is often met with surprise and disbelief.

15-24 age bracket most affected by HIV

YEN.com.gh had earlier reported that 17,774 Ghanaians tested positive for HIV in 2023, many of whom were persons aged between 15 and 24.

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The population also included 6,457 males and 11,317 females, per the 2023 national and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh