Dr. Sebastian N. Sandaare, the MP for Daffiama/Bussie/Issa, has expressed concern over the increasing HIV incidence among Ghana’s youth, characterising it as a significant public health and national development issue that calls for immediate and concerted action.
Speaking in Parliament, Dr. Sandaare warned that rising rates of HIV infection among young people will jeopardise Ghana’s socioeconomic advancement if prompt interventions are not put in place. He noted that the nation’s future depended on the productivity and health of its youth.
The MP claims that worries about the matter increased after the Minister for the Interior recently revealed that 1,300 applicants who took part in the most recent security services recruitment exercise tested positive for HIV during required medical exams.
According to the Ghana AIDS Commission’s 2024 National HIV Estimates, which show that 334,721 persons in Ghana are currently living with HIV, he claimed the disclosure represents the country’s overall position.
37,283 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 have the virus, according to the research.
The nation reported 15,290 new HIV infections in 2024 alone, or 42 new infections every day on average.
People between the ages of 15 and 24 accounted for 4,732 of these instances, making them the most afflicted age group.
Dr. Sandaare also emphasised how women and girls are disproportionately affected by HIV, pointing out that women make up around 67% of all new infections and about 69% of all HIV-positive individuals in Ghana.
He warned that the trend poses serious threats to maternal health, gender equality, and the long-term economic growth of the nation.
The MP referenced results from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), which show that young people have poor levels of HIV awareness.
Only 36% of young women and 37% of young men between the ages of 15 and 24 have a thorough understanding of HIV prevention, according to the survey.
Young people who are sexually active continue to use condoms at a low rate.
According to the survey, 28% of young men and only 14% of young women who had sex with a nonmarital partner used a condom during their most recent sexual experience.
According to Dr. Sandaare, the drop in ongoing HIV education and awareness initiatives over the previous ten years has contributed to the rising number of infections.
The susceptibility of young people is still increased by poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, early sexual engagement, multiple sexual partners, and poor access to youth-friendly health care, he continued.
Beyond its effects on health, the MP emphasised that HIV posed a serious danger to Ghana’s development strategy by impeding economic growth, raising healthcare expenses, and decreasing workforce productivity.
He revealed that 840 young persons between the ages of 15 and 24 were among the 12,614 AIDS-related fatalities that were reported in Ghana in 2024.
He claims that in addition to putting a great deal of strain on the healthcare system due to the expense of testing, treatment, and long-term care, the epidemic also causes school absences, stigma, and dropout rates among young people who are impacted.
He cautioned that the circumstances might make it more difficult for Ghana to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth and Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-Being.
Dr. Sandaare praised the government, the Ghana AIDS Commission, the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and development partners for increasing access to HIV treatment and preventive programs, but added that more has to be done to buck the present trend.
In order to ensure long-term funding for Ghana’s HIV response, he urged the government to operationalise the National HIV and AIDS Fund, which was created under Act 938 of 2016.
The MP also called on authorities and interested parties to use both traditional and digital media to step up national HIV education and prevention efforts in communities, schools, and postsecondary institutions.
In order to fight stigma and false information, he also promoted more financing for HIV prevention initiatives and closer cooperation with religious institutions, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and youth organisations.
In order to assess the efficacy of current interventions and make sure Ghana stays on course to eradicate HIV as a public health issue by 2030, he further suggested that the Parliament’s Health Committee work with the Ministry of Health and the Ghana AIDS Commission.
In closing, Dr. Sandaare urged the country to see the latest security recruitment figures as a warning rather than a singular recruitment issue.
Investing in prevention, education, early testing, and treatment is ultimately an investment in a healthier, more productive, and prosperous Ghana, he emphasised, adding that every HIV infection prevented preserves the future of a teacher, doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, farmer, security officer, or public servant.
Source: newsthemegh.com