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The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has voiced serious concern about a noticeable drop in condom use among young people, suggesting that a reduced fear of HIV and AIDS is playing a significant role in this shift.
Isaiah Doe Kwao, who serves as the Commission’s Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, explained that although condoms are still easy to access nationwide, many young people are growing increasingly casual about sexual safety. He observed that more of them are choosing to engage in unprotected sex regardless of the risks involved.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency during the 14th National Partnership Forum on HIV and AIDS in Accra, he warned: “Even though we have condoms in this country, it appears the youth of today are not using them as we would want.”
Kwao highlighted a worrying mindset among some young adults who favour “going raw,” believing that HIV is no longer life-threatening because they rarely witness people dying from the virus today. “Some say they prefer the natural feel. Others think HIV is no longer deadly because they no longer see people dying like before, so the fear factor is gone,” he noted.
He cautioned that such beliefs are highly dangerous. Kwao emphasised that condoms remain one of the most reliable defences against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.
“As much as possible, we continue to encourage them to reduce risky behaviours. Condom use is still key in preventing HIV and other infections. We advise them to either abstain, remain faithful to one partner, or use condoms consistently and correctly,” he said.
Kwao encouraged the country’s youth to prioritise their health, stressing that their wellbeing is essential for national progress. “The youth are the future leaders of this country. We want them to stay safe, grow into healthy adults, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he added.
Touching on Ghana’s commitment to ending AIDS by 2030, Kwao revealed that the Commission is developing a new strategic framework for 2026–2030 to support the achievement of the global 95-95-95 targets. This includes ensuring that everyone living with HIV knows their status, receives treatment, and achieves viral suppression.
However, he pointed out that reduced donor funding remains a major hurdle, noting cuts from key partners such as USAID and the Global Fund. “It is incumbent on the government of Ghana to fill in the gap so that we can implement the interventions we’ve laid out,” he said.
Kwao also appealed to businesses and individuals to join the effort by supporting national HIV initiatives through corporate social responsibility and contributions to the Ghana HIV and AIDS Fund. “We have developed a short code, *9898#, where individuals can donate as little as one cedi to support HIV activities in the country,” he added.
The event chair and GAC Board Chair, Kakra Essamuah, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to securing more domestic financing to maintain Ghana’s HIV response and achieve the goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. He praised stakeholders for their ongoing cooperation and encouraged stronger commitment and innovation to handle the evolving challenges.
Representatives from UNESCO, the Global Fund, NAP+ Ghana, and the Ghana Employers Association all reiterated their support for the country’s continued efforts to tackle HIV and AIDS.
