Ghanaians are refusing to use condoms - AIDS Commission laments

Europa

August 24, 2017 2:06 PM

The acting Director of Technical Services at the Ghana AIDS Commission, Mr Cosmos Ohene-Adjei said that even though the country imports about 30 million condoms annually, usage is very low.

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The Ghana AIDS Commission has expressed worry about the low usage of condoms in the country.

The situation, he believes, may affect the country’s efforts at fighting the spread of the disease.

There are three preventive mechanisms to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission - abstinence, faithfulness and condom use.

But Mr Ohene-Adjei said that condom use is believed to offer greater preventive mechanisms.

READ ALSO: HIV infection rising in Ghana

He has, therefore, advised all and sundry to use condoms to help fight the spread of HIV.

Mr Adjei was speaking during a presentation at the opening of a two-day workshop on HIV/AIDS reporting organised by the African Centre for Development in Accra.

The workshop, which is aimed at helping to end the epidemic by 2020 in Ghana, is being sponsored by the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR/Emergency Plan) of the United State of America through the American Embassy in Ghana.

Meanwhile, the rate of HIV infection among people in Ghana is increasing, civil society groups have said.

This has been attributed to the inadequate funding from the government and reduced donor support.

In 2000, 3.4% of the population were said to be infected with the disease.

But the figure reduced to 1.4% in 2014 following a massive campaign.

READ ALSO: HIV rises among pregnant women

Currently, 2.4% of the population are said to be infected with the viral disease with many having fears that this may threaten the country’s move towards achieving the 2016-2020 national HIV strategic plan.

Europa