The Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) has cautioned the Ghanaian public to stay alert as we approach the celebration of Valentine on February 14, 2025.
The network has asked the public to spread love on the day and not the virus.
It raised concern over the rate of new HIV infections, citing that as of December 2023, the total estimated number of persons infected was 334,000, adding that even more worrying was that between January and September 2024, about 35,460 persons got diagnosed with the virus.
GHANET said although the prevalence rate for Ghana remains 1.53%, the rate of new infections was alarming.
It is on this basis that GHANET has released a statement admonishing young persons to avoid risky sexual behaviours that can increase their chances of being infected with the virus.
These risky behaviours they spoke about include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, sex parties, hookups, and, most especially, substance abuse, which they stated can significantly increase vulnerability to HIV infection.
The statement, which was signed by Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, President of the GHANET, encouraged the youth to abstain from sex since it is the safest way to prevent one from getting infected or to practice safe sex through the consistent and correct use of condoms.
‘’We also take this opportunity to remind the public to test and know their HIV status. For those who may be worried about privacy, they can opt for HIV Self Testing (HIVST) kits.’’
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana