A recent data from the Ghana AIDS Commission has shown an increasing trend of HIV infections among young people.
The Commission says the infection is rising between adolescents and teenagers between the ages of 15 and 24, signalling the prevention of pregnancy over protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, as a priority.
Dr. Prosper Kharmacelle Akanbong, Director-General of the Commission, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, averred that the growing rise in infections amongst the youth is due to the increasing preference for emergency contraceptives to avoid pregnancy, rather than using 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.
To many young people, the AIDS Commission boss says pregnancy is a greater threat to them than diseases, including HIV, the reason they resort to emergency contraceptive pills rather than condoms which could protect them from both.
“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 lamented.
According to Dr. Akanbong, there is need to intensify public education and awareness campaigns to promote safe sex practices and correct misconceptions about HIV and reproductive health.
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