Ahead of World AIDS Day 2022, Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), in partnership with the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), and support from UNFPA Ghana, held a condom activation campaign at Kasoa and Kaneshie markets on the 18th and 24th of November respectively.
The aim of the campaign was to highlight the benefits of the correct and consistent use of condoms in the prevention of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). This activity was also in response to the sustained high numbers of new HIV infections recorded in Ghana in recent years, especially among young people.
The exercise saw traders and drivers at Kaneshie market sensitized on the need to use condoms to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. HIV education and testing services were also provided.
Mrs. Cecilia Senoo, the Executive Director of HFFG, said the campaign was crucial due to the increasing rate of new HIV infections, especially among the youth.
She said the increase in new HIV infections was a clear indication that people were having unprotected sex.
“We cannot really achieve an HIV-free generation if we do not protect, educate, and take care of ourselves. So, the purpose of this exercise is to create awareness on HIV prevention including correct and consistent use of condoms, Mrs. Senoo stated.
Dr. Stella Gyamfi, the In-charge of the Kaneshie Polyclinic and Okaikoi South Health Director, noted that the initiative was important and had the potential to affect many and change lives. She said global figures according to World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that about 38.4 million people were living with HIV in 2021, of this staggering figure, 36.7 million were adults and 1.7 million children. Dr. Gyamfi noted that currently, the number of people who have tested positive to HIV infection in Ghana from January to June stands at 23,495.
Dr. Gyamfi said there was a need for collaborative efforts to ensure that HIV infections are reduced in Ghana.
A similar event was earlier held at the Kasoa Market in the Central Region on 18th November 2022. DKT International supported the campaign by donating some products.
World AIDS Day is commemorated every year, on December 1, to rally support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS.
This year’s World AIDS Day focuses on the need to address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS. It also marks 20 years of the existence of the Ghana AIDS Commission.