The Ghana AIDS Commission has reported a concerning increase in new HIV infections, particularly among young people, with over 15,290 new cases recorded between January and December 2024.
Dr. Fred Nana Poku, Director of Technical Services at the Commission, revealed this during a media briefing, noting that approximately 4,700 of the infections representing about 31% were recorded among individuals aged 15 to 24.
This marks a significant spike in infections within this youthful age group compared to previous years.
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“This trend is deeply troubling and indicates that our young population remains highly vulnerable to HIV,” Dr. Poku stated.
“It underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, particularly in areas of education, behavioral change, and access to testing and treatment.”
He attributed the rise to factors including unsafe sexual practices, lack of comprehensive sexuality education, peer pressure, and limited access to youth-friendly reproductive health services.
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The Ghana AIDS Commission is calling for strengthened collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and educational institutions to address the growing threat.
Dr. Poku also emphasized the importance of parents and guardians playing an active role in educating their children about the risks of HIV.
The Commission is intensifying its public education campaigns, expanding testing services, and encouraging the use of preventive methods such as condoms and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), particularly among high-risk populations.
As Ghana continues efforts to reduce new infections and achieve global targets for HIV/AIDS eradication, the report serves as a stark reminder that the fight against the virus is far from over especially among the nation’s youth.
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[…] Breaking: Ghana Recorded Over 15,000 HIV Infections in 2024 […]