The Ghana AIDs Commission has expressed concern over a decline in the patronage of condoms, especially during this festive season.
Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, says people are engaging in unprotected sex, a situation that has shot up HIV/AIDS.
He attributed the development to a notion held by a section of the public to the effect that casual sex without a condom is better, which according to him is erroneous.
“Casual heterosexual sex contributes to over 70 percent of all new HIV infections, but people still continue to engage in casual sex without condoms. Sex is fun but while having fun, remain cautious,” he said.
Kwaku Ankomah, a pharmacist in charge of the lesson pharmacy, confirmed the reduction in condom usage.
He said the rate of consumption of the product (i.e condom) has drastically fallen, compared to last year’s sales.
‘’Sales are quite low compared to December last year. Every month we sell about fifty packs of condoms but this month, it is less than ten. I think we need to up the advocacy,” he added.
Statistics from the National STIs and HIV/AIDS Control Programme indicate that a total of 23,495 people tested positive for HIV in the first half of t 2022.
Further reports also indicate that over one hundred thousand persons are living with HIV without even knowing their status.
Meanwhile, the festive season is also a time when people make merry. As these celebrations go on, people often engage in sexually related activities.
According to the Ghana AIDS Commission, more people engage in casual sex during this period than ever before.
Backing this claim, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, disclosed that eighty percent of all HIV infections occur as a result of risky sexual behaviours such as casual sexual encounters, which are the result of hookups, booty calls, and one-night stands.
He, thus, entreated the public not to throw caution to the wind regarding protecting themselves during sexual intercourse, in order not to expose themselves to such risks.
The Ghana AIDS Commission is responsible for embarking on HIV AIDS sensitisation programmes.
As part of measures to curtail the disease, the commission also distributed condoms, organised testing for the public, and beefed up sensitisation, especially during the festive season.
However, the commission has indicated that it can no longer embark on these activities due to financial constraints.
The AIDS Commission, thus, entreated the public to come to their aid with support.
“We are calling on all Ghanaians to come to the aid of the AIDS commission financially as this should be a collaborative effort between all stakeholders.”
Source: The Independent Ghana|