President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the rising number of HIV infections among Ghanaian youth, attributing the trend to gaps in communication, education, and support systems.
His comments come in response to the Ghana AIDS Commission’s 2024 report, which recorded 15,290 new HIV cases. Of these, 4,987 were male, and 11,289 were adults aged 15 and above.
Speaking at the launch of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Voluntary National Report, President Mahama called for a more dynamic and inclusive national response that goes beyond conventional awareness campaigns.
“We are alarmed by the rising HIV rates, especially among young people. This reflects failures in communication, persistent stigma, and inadequate access to sexual health education,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of engaging young people directly in the national response, urging collaboration among schools, health professionals, parents, and the media.
“Prevention is essential, but empowerment is the key,” he added.
President Mahama also drew attention to another pressing public health concern — the increasing prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women.
“It is said that 50% of pregnant women in Ghana suffer from some form of anaemia. So this is a direct reflection of poor nutrition, inequality, and inadequate health education. Addressing this is not a choice but a necessity for our mother and children’s future,” he noted.
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