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Tag: condom

  • Upper West Region receives 35,600 condoms in effort to curb HIV spread

    Upper West Region receives 35,600 condoms in effort to curb HIV spread

    The Ghana AIDS Commission distributed 35,600 condoms in the Upper West Region in 2024 as part of efforts to curb the spread of HIV.

    The condoms were provided during events and made available for collection at the Commission’s regional office.

    During the second Regional Committee and Coordination meeting (RECCOM) held in Wa, Mr. Osei-Bonsu Gyamfi, the Upper West Regional Technical Coordinator of the Commission, shared updates on HIV prevention efforts in the region.

    The gathering brought together stakeholders to evaluate progress, address challenges, and develop strategies to combat the disease.

    Mr. Gyamfi highlighted various initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, HIV testing drives, and institutional outreach. However, he also pointed out key obstacles, such as insufficient funding for HIV-related activities and delays in disbursing the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) for these purposes.

    Other challenges included limited involvement of civil society groups, persistent stigma against people living with HIV, and a rise in cases involving Men Having Sex with Men (MSM) in the region.

    He urged the media to amplify their efforts in raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding HIV, as discrimination remains a significant barrier to effective intervention.

    The Upper West Regional Operations Manager for Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), Mr. Dramani Abdul-Razak, also stressed the importance of addressing stigma.

    He shared that his organization is actively working on projects aimed at promoting acceptance and ensuring social integration for people living with HIV.

    Representatives from organizations such as the National Association of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (NAP+), Ghana HIV/AIDS Network (GHANET), and the Christian Council attended the meeting, underscoring the collective commitment to tackling the issue.

    According to the Ghana AIDS Commission, the region recorded a decrease in new HIV infections, dropping from 368 cases in 2022 to 300 in 2023—a positive sign in the ongoing fight against the disease.

  • Condom usage during sex is no different from aborting a baby – Great Ampong

    Condom usage during sex is no different from aborting a baby – Great Ampong

    Great Ampong has conveyed his opinion that employing a condom is comparable to undergoing an abortion.

    When asked by Taller Dee whether he would consider sponsorship from a condom producer or vendor, the Gospel star asserted that utilizing a condom is “almost close to an abortion.”


    During their conversation on No. 1 105.3 FM’s Gospel Showbiz, Ampong admitted, “I’d hesitate,” and humorously added, “It’s not criminal, and I won’t be imprisoned, but I would think twice about it.”


    Reflecting on the topic, Ampong acknowledged that condoms are used for protection but added with contemplation, “But at the same time, the thing is quite strange because if you wear a condom, it’s like having an abortion, right? Because it’s like you’re preventing yourself from becoming pregnant.”


    While the gospel music industry grapples with challenges in obtaining sponsorships, artists in this genre frequently turn down collaborations with alcohol and condom brands. This decision stems from the belief that such products may promote promiscuity and immorality.

    In 2015, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) implemented a ban on Ghanaian celebrities endorsing alcoholic beverages.

    The regulatory move was aligned with a World Health Organisation policy, and the FDA emphasised that it was part of a broader initiative to safeguard children from being enticed into alcoholism.

  • Condom patronage on the low – AIDs commission worried over its impact on citizenry 

    The Ghana AIDs Commission has expressed concern over a decline in the patronage of condoms, especially during this festive season.

    Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, says people are engaging in unprotected sex, a situation that has shot up HIV/AIDS.

    He attributed the development to a notion held by a section of the public to the effect that casual sex without a condom is better, which according to him is erroneous.

    “Casual heterosexual sex contributes to over 70 percent of all new HIV infections, but people still continue to engage in casual sex without condoms. Sex is fun but while having fun, remain cautious,” he said. 

    Kwaku Ankomah, a pharmacist in charge of the lesson pharmacy, confirmed the reduction in condom usage. 

    He said the rate of consumption of the product (i.e condom) has drastically fallen, compared to last year’s sales.

    ‘’Sales are quite low compared to December last year. Every month we sell about fifty packs of condoms but this month, it is less than ten. I think we need to up the advocacy,” he added.

    Statistics from the National STIs and HIV/AIDS Control Programme indicate that a total of 23,495 people tested positive for HIV in the first half of t 2022.

    Further reports also indicate that over one hundred thousand persons are living with HIV without even knowing their status. 

    Meanwhile, the festive season is also a time when people make merry. As these celebrations go on, people often engage in sexually related activities. 

    According to the Ghana AIDS Commission, more people engage in casual sex during this period than ever before.

    Backing this claim, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, disclosed that eighty percent of all HIV infections occur as a result of risky sexual behaviours such as casual sexual encounters, which are the result of hookups, booty calls, and one-night stands.

    He, thus, entreated the public not to throw caution to the wind regarding protecting themselves during sexual intercourse, in order not to expose themselves to such risks. 

    The Ghana AIDS Commission is responsible for embarking on HIV AIDS sensitisation programmes.

    As part of measures to curtail the disease, the commission also distributed condoms, organised testing for the public, and beefed up sensitisation, especially during the festive season. 

    However, the commission has indicated that it can no longer embark on these activities due to financial constraints. 

    The AIDS Commission, thus, entreated the public to come to their aid with support.

    “We are calling on all Ghanaians to come to the aid of the AIDS commission financially as this should be a collaborative effort between all stakeholders.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana|

  • STIs increase in France: Government makes condoms free for 18 to 25 year old

    From January next year, young people in France will have free access to condoms in an effort to stop the spread of STDs (STIs).

    At a Thursday event for young people’s health, the French president made the new health initiative official.

    Young people would be able to pick them up from pharmacies, according to Emmanuel Macron, who called the initiative a “small revolution in contraception.”

    The national STI rate in France increased by 30% in 2020 and 2021.

    The new measure comes alongside other health initiatives targeting the spread of STIs and improving access to contraception.

    In 2018 the French government started reimbursing the costs of condoms to individuals, if purchased in a pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor or midwife.

    Earlier this year the government made contraception free for all women up to 26 years old – a move that affected three million women. Contraception had previously been free for women and girls 18 or younger.

    Mr Macron added in a tweet that Thursday’s announcement comes alongside other health measures. They include free emergency contraception for all women in pharmacies, and free STI screenings without a prescription, except HIV, to those under the age of 26.

     

  • Condom use in Uganda drops to 24%, authorities worried

    Only 9 per cent of men aged 40 to 49 years used a condom when they engaged in extramarital sex in 2018, according to Dr Daniel Byamukama, the head of the HIV prevention division at the Uganda AIDs Commission.

    Byamukama said condom use is continuously declining from 38 per cent in 2000 to 24 per cent in 2018.

    He added that while the general prevalence of men aged 40 to 49 is 14 per cent, prevalence among men in this age bracket who engage in extramarital affairs is highest at 25 per cent.

    Read:Tanzania imports 30 million condoms amid shortage fears

    He said this should worry the country as its undoing previous awareness done by activists like Lutaaya and other interventions geared towards prevention of HIV which is highest among men of that age group who are believed to be giving young girls the virus.

    Dr Byamukama revealed this as Uganda marked Philly Bongoley Lutaaya day on Thursday.

    Lutaaya is remembered for being the first prominent Ugandan, a celebrated musician to give a human face to HIV/AIDS in Uganda at the time when there was a lot of stigma for a disease hitherto cushioned in myths.

    Read:Female condom more pleasurable than male ones; promote usage Media urged

    Before dying of AIDS in 1989 at the age of 38, Lutaaya had spent his remaining healthy time writing songs about his battle with AIDS and giving guidance on prevention to especially students as he engaged in campaigns that were taken to churches, schools and other public spaces.

    Dr Kirusa Karuga, the UNAIDS Uganda country representative said Lutaaya was calling for combined efforts to deal with HIV as a public health problem.

    Source: www.observer.ug