Weija (GAR), Feb. 15, – The Ghana HIV/AIDS Network (GHANET) has rejected claims that condoms available in Ghana are too small, assuring the public that all approved brands meet strict safety and quality standards.
Concerns had arisen in parts of the media suggesting that some Ghanaian men were avoiding condom use due to size issues.
Speaking at an HIV/AIDS awareness event at the West Hills Mall in the Ga South Municipality, organised to coincide with Valentine’s Day, Mr Ernest Ortsin, President of GHANET, dismissed the complaints as unfounded.
“All condoms on the market have been tested by the Ghana Standards Authority and meet the highest quality standards,” he said. “Any issues usually arise when people do not purchase from approved outlets.”
The campaign aimed to promote responsible sexual behaviour and expand access to HIV testing services. Free HIV testing and condom distribution were key components of the exercise.
Ms Bernice Ababio, Administrative Manager of GHANET, said about 350 test kits were distributed, with 150 people opting for assisted testing and 200 choosing unassisted kits to take home.
Mr Ortsin also warned against unsafe sexual behaviour, referencing a reported viral video involving unprotected sex with a foreign national.
“You don’t know the HIV status of your partner, and unprotected sex puts you at risk,” he cautioned. “Always make sure you are protected.”
Supporting the campaign, Dr Prosper Akanbong, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, said similar exercises were being replicated across the country, including in tertiary institutions and public spaces.
He emphasised the importance of knowing one’s HIV status, noting that Ghana recorded 15,290 new infections in 2024, with young people disproportionately affected. “Testing is increasing, so we are identifying cases that previously went undiagnosed,” he said.
Dr Emmanuel Teviu, Programme Manager of the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, stressed that consistent and correct condom use is critical. “It’s not just about taking condoms; it’s about using them properly and consistently,” he said.
On Ghana’s progress towards the global UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, Dr Teviu reported that as of 2024, the country stood at 68 per cent for people living with HIV who know their status, 69 per cent for those on treatment, and 90 per cent for viral suppression. Updated 2025 data will be released once complete.
No comments:
Post a Comment