The Ghana AIDS Commission has expressed concern over a steady rise in HIV infections among young people, particularly those aged between 15 and 24 years.
According to a report by citinewsroom.com on July 23, 2025, recent data from the commission points to a troubling trend where many adolescents prioritise preventing pregnancy over protecting themselves from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV.
Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Prosper Akanbong, speaking at a media briefing on July 22, attributed the surge to the increasing use of emergency contraceptives in place of condoms.
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, according to the report.
He explained that young people often regard pregnancy as a more immediate threat than HIV, leading to reduced condom use and a preference for emergency contraception, which does not protect against infections.
They tend to think more about the fear of pregnancy rather than the fear of infections. So, you see the use of emergency contraceptives on the rise, but not enough condom use, he stated.
Dr Akanbong stressed the urgent need for increased public education and awareness campaigns on sexual health, particularly among adolescents.
He called for collaborative efforts to promote safer sex practices and correct misconceptions about HIV and reproductive health.
MRA/AE
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