Ghana AIDS Commission: Youth Fear Pregnancy More Than HIV
The Ghana AIDS Commission has raised alarm that young people are more afraid of unwanted pregnancies than contracting HIV, leading to higher purchase of contraceptives over condoms. Deputy Director Derrick Oppong-Agyare disclosed the trend in Accra during a media briefing on new testing strategies.
Derrick Oppong-Agyare said the youth preference for contraceptives shows a dangerous shift in risk perception. He warned that while pregnancy is avoided, exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections increases when condoms are ignored, threatening national targets.
According to the Ghana AIDS Commission, the Commission is launching an online self-test portal from October 1 to make HIV testing more accessible. Oppong-Agyare said many people are still hesitant to walk into health facilities for testing due to stigma and confidentiality concerns.
The online portal will allow Ghanaians to order HIV self-test kits, receive guidance, and get confidential results without visiting a clinic. Officials say the initiative aims to increase early detection and link positive cases to treatment quickly across all 16 regions.
Under Ghana National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan, condom promotion, testing and treatment are key pillars to achieve the 95-95-95 targets. Health experts say dual protection with condoms remains the only method that prevents both pregnancy and HIV infection at same time.
The Commission is urging parents, schools and religious groups to intensify sex education that emphasizes HIV risk beyond pregnancy. The October 1 portal launch is expected to reduce stigma and boost testing among youth and men who avoid clinics.
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Author: Stella Sunu
