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As we approach this year’s Valentine’s Day on Friday, 14th February, the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) is urging all Ghanaians to make their health and well-being a top priority.
GHANET is highlighting to young people the significance of making sure that the excitement of love does not impair their judgment during this romantic season.
Intimacy and affection are essential to human relationships, but they must be conveyed sensibly and with a thorough awareness of the hazards.
A representative for GHANET stated, “GHANET is deeply concerned by the concerning trends as we near three decades of work in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Ghana.”
In Ghana, there were over 334,000 HIV-positive individuals by December 2023. Nearly 35,460 new instances were reported in 2024 between January and September alone.
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Despite the low national HIV incidence of 1.53%, the recent spike in new infections is concerning. Given this, GHANET provides the youngsters with the following advice.
- Steer clear of risky sexual behaviors, such as having several sexual partners, having unprotected intercourse, going to sex parties, hooking up, and abusing drugs. These behaviors greatly increase the risk of HIV transmission.
- Practice Safe Sex: Always and correctly use condoms. They can be easily found at pharmacies, health centers, and other community-based establishments.
- Take Abstinence into Account: Abstinence is still the healthiest way to avoid HIV, particularly in situations where safe sexual encounters are not possible.
Additionally, GHANET encourages everyone to find out their HIV status and get tested. HIVST kits are a great, private solution for people who are concerned about their privacy.
