Recent demographic and health survey by the Ghana Statistical Service have uncovered concerning trends related to HIV testing, safe sexual practices, circumcision rates, and societal attitudes towards individuals with HIV.
This article sheds light on these findings, providing insight into the current state of reproductive health in the country.
Alarming statistics reveal that 7 out of 10 men aged 15-49 in Ghana do not use protection during sexual intercourse.
This emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive sexual education and accessible resources to promote safer practices, reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
With over 800,000 uncircumcised men in Ghana, there’s an opportunity to enhance public health initiatives promoting circumcision. Circumcision has been linked to a lower risk of HIV transmission, making it a valuable preventive measure for the overall health and well-being of the population.
A concerning revelation is that about 7 million men aged 15-49 in Ghana have engaged in sexual relationships outside of marriage. This underscores the importance of promoting fidelity and encouraging open communication about sexual health within relationships to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Disturbingly, 8 out of 10 women in Ghana are reported to discriminate against individuals living with HIV. Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director of the Ghana AIDS Commission, emphasizes the crucial need to address this issue for fostering a more inclusive and supportive society.
He highlights the importance of consistent and correct protection for individuals at risk. He notes, “For us to achieve our national target, we expect that people who are at risk, involved in multiple concurrent sexual partnerships and casual sex, use protection consistently and correctly to prevent HIV infection.
However, condom use is still low. Although they know about the availability of services, such as prevention of mother to child transmission, anti-retroviral drugs treatment, and testing services, not everyone translates this knowledge into access.”
With some progress, approximately 67% of pregnant women in Ghana undergo HIV testing during antenatal care, receiving timely results. This is a positive step in ensuring the health of both mothers and infants, as early detection plays a crucial role in managing HIV transmission from mother to child.
As Ghana grapples with these significant health challenges, collaborative efforts between government bodies, healthcare professionals, and community leaders are essential.
By addressing these issues through education, accessible healthcare services, and destigmatization efforts, Ghana can work towards a healthier and more informed population.
Deborah Abba Mensah| 3news.com|