Raw Gay and transgender sex is partly responsible for rising HIV infections – AIDS Commission

Raw Gay and transgender sex is partly responsible for rising HIV infections – AIDS Commission

The Ghana AIDS Commission has expressed significant concern over the low rate of condom use among sexually active individuals, identifying it as a key factor contributing to the recent increase in HIV infections across the country.

According to the Commission, this rise in HIV cases is especially notable among men who have sex with men (MSM), a group where condom use is reportedly insufficient.

This population is identified as a “bridging population,” meaning they can potentially spread the virus to others in the broader community through bisexual behavior.

Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, the Programmes Manager of the National AIDS Control Programme, elaborated on the findings.

“For instance, if we take men who have sex with men, the survey we conducted shows that about 50% of them are young people who are bisexual. So they may be sleeping with men but are also sleeping with women, and those women have other partners. This behavior perpetuates the spread of HIV. The reality is that HIV is a significant issue in Ghana. We have not ended it yet; it has not stopped, and transmission is still occurring,” he explained.

Dr. Addo underscored the need for enhanced education on the importance of condom use and comprehensive HIV prevention strategies.

Despite progress in HIV awareness and treatment, there remains a significant gap in understanding among the youth about the gravity of the disease.

This lack of awareness and preventive behavior is contributing to the continuing transmission of HIV.

The Commission’s alarm comes against the backdrop of concerning statistics: Ghana recorded 17,000 new HIV infections and 12,000 related deaths in 2023.

These numbers highlight the urgent need for more effective public health interventions.

Dr. Addo emphasized that addressing these issues is crucial to preventing further transmission and reducing the overall impact of HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

One of the major challenges identified is the stigmatization of gay and transgender individuals, which discourages them from seeking HIV testing and treatment.

This stigma, combined with a lack of targeted sexual health education, exacerbates the spread of HIV.

The Ghana AIDS Commission advocates for a more inclusive approach to HIV prevention that addresses the unique needs of all population groups, including MSM and transgender individuals.

Furthermore, the Commission is calling for increased distribution and promotion of condoms, particularly among high-risk groups.

The goal is to normalize condom use and ensure that individuals understand its importance in preventing HIV transmission.

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Public health campaigns need to be more pervasive and tailored to reach young people, who are among the most vulnerable.

In addition to educational campaigns, there is a need for improved access to HIV testing and counseling services.

By making these services more accessible and confidential, more individuals might be encouraged to know their status and take preventive measures.

The Commission is also working on expanding the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to ensure that those who are HIV-positive can manage the virus effectively and reduce the risk of transmission.

In conclusion, the Ghana AIDS Commission’s call to action emphasizes a multi-faceted approach to tackling the rising HIV infection rates.

This includes enhancing education on safe sex practices, reducing stigma, increasing access to preventive tools and services, and fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to take control of their sexual health.

Through these efforts, Ghana aims to curb the spread of HIV and mitigate its impact on the population.

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