Accra: The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has raised concern over declining condom use among the youth, attributing it to reduced fear of HIV and AIDS infections. Mr Isaiah Doe Kwao, Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Commission, stated that despite the wide availability of condoms, many young people were becoming complacent about their sexual health, opting for unprotected sex despite the risks.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Kwao explained that some young people preferred unprotected encounters, believing that HIV was no longer deadly due to fewer visible deaths. He described this perception as dangerous, emphasizing that condoms remain one of the most effective tools for preventing HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies. He urged the youth to either abstain, remain faithful to one partner, or use condoms consistently and correctly.
Mr Kwao stressed the importance of young people taking their health seriously as their wellbeing is vital to Ghana's future development. The Commission is developing a strategic plan (2026-2030) to guide interventions towards achieving the global 95-95-95 targets, ensuring that all persons living with HIV know their status, receive treatment, and achieve viral suppression.
Inadequate funding is a major challenge due to the withdrawal or reduction of support from donor partners such as USAID and the Global Fund. Mr Kwao appealed to the government to fill this gap and to the private sector to support the national HIV response through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Mr Kakra Essamuah, Board Chair of the GAC, reiterated the Commission's commitment to mobilising domestic resources to sustain Ghana's HIV response and eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. He commended stakeholders for their continued collaboration and called for renewed commitment and innovation to address emerging challenges.
Representatives from UNESCO, the Global Fund, NAP+ Ghana, and the Ghana Employers Association pledged continued support to Ghana's efforts in combating HIV and AIDS.
