The Ghana AIDS Commission has raised concerns about a growing health risk among young people, revealing that many are more focused on preventing pregnancy than protecting themselves from HIV.
According to the Commission, adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 are showing rising infection rates, partly due to the increasing use of emergency contraceptives instead of condoms.
This trend, officials say, is putting more young people at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, especially HIV.
At a press briefing, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Prosper Akanbong, described the development as troubling.
He noted that pregnancy is often seen as the more immediate threat among the youth, while the risks of infections like HIV are underestimated.
“We are seeing high infection rates among young and adolescent groups. The 15 to 24 age group is experiencing a progressively rising trend in HIV cases, and that is very worrisome,” Dr. Akanbong said.
He added that the misconception around emergency contraceptives being enough protection is dangerous and could undo years of progress in HIV prevention.
The Commission is, therefore, calling for focused public education efforts that promote what they term “dual protection” — the use of condoms to prevent both pregnancy and infections.
Officials believe a stronger understanding of sexual and reproductive health could help reverse the trend.
Health advocates are also urging parents, educators, and community leaders to be part of the solution by having open conversations with young people about safe sex and long-term health risks.
