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Mr Ernest Amoabeng Ostin, the President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), has attributed the upsurge in HIV/AIDS cases in Ghana to transactional sex, particularly ‘hook-up’. He said that the youth, mainly between the ages of 15 and 24, are responsible for new infections of HIV/AIDS, according to available data. Mr Ostin gave a vivid account of the situation on Atinka TV’s morning show, Ghana Nie with Abena Dufie.
Mr Ostin stated that in 2022 alone, there were 33,000 new cases of HIV/AIDS as at September, which is higher than previous years. He explained that most of the youth are sexually active but shy away from purchasing condoms and engage in sex without any protection. Mr Ostin emphasized that people between the ages of 15 and 24 are responsible for most new infections because they are afraid to buy condoms and have sex without protection.
Mr Ostin lamented that HIV/AIDS education was provided in schools a few years back, but due to transfers, most of the teachers who were in charge of the program had left their positions to pursue other opportunities. Therefore, he suggested incorporating education into teacher training to ensure that the lesson is carried wherever the teachers go, even if they change jobs.
Mr Ostin advised the youth to abstain from sex until they are married, be cautious, and exercise restraint. He stressed that everyone should be cautious because HIV is real and although there are medications available, it is challenging to remember to take them regularly. Mr Ostin urged everyone to use protection during sexual intercourse, avoid using sharp objects that others have used, and ensure that blood given at the hospital has been thoroughly tested.
