 has expressed deep concern over the declining use of condoms among young people, warning that complacency and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS are putting many at risk of infection.){kind=link}
The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has expressed deep concern over the declining use of condoms among young people, warning that complacency and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS are putting many at risk of infection.
Speaking at the 14th National Partnership Forum on HIV and AIDS in Accra on Wednesday, Mr. Isaiah Doe Kwao, Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Commission, said that although condoms remain widely available across the country, many young people are choosing unprotected sex due to a reduced fear of HIV infections.
“Even though we have condoms in this country, it appears the youth of today are not using them as we would want,” Mr. Kwao said.
He explained that some young people now prefer “going raw,” believing HIV is no longer deadly because there are fewer visible deaths associated with the disease.
“Some say they prefer the natural feel. Others think HIV is no longer deadly because they no longer see people dying like before, so the fear factor is gone,” he noted.
“As much as possible, we continue to encourage them to reduce risky behaviours. Condom use is still key in preventing HIV and other infections. We advise them to either abstain, remain faithful to one partner, or use condoms consistently and correctly,” he urged.
He further emphasized that the health and wellbeing of young people are crucial to Ghana’s development goals.
“The youth are the future leaders of this country. We want them to stay safe, grow into healthy adults, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he added.