Rising HIV cases show youth education gaps — Mahama
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
President John Dramani Mahama has raised alarm over the rising number of new HIV infections in Ghana, describing the trend as a failure of communication, education, and support systems, particularly among the youth.
Speaking at the official launch of Ghana’s 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the President said the latest figures reflect serious national shortcomings in health education and youth engagement.
His remarks follow the release of the Ghana AIDS Commission’s 2024 report, which documented 15,290 new HIV cases in the country. Of these, 11,289 were adults aged 15 and above, while 4,987 were male. A significant portion of the new infections were recorded among young people.
“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,” President Mahama stated.
He called for a more dynamic, inclusive, and youth-centered response, urging policymakers and stakeholders to move beyond conventional awareness campaigns and actively involve young people in designing and implementing prevention strategies.
“Prevention is essential, but empowerment is the key. We must ensure that young Ghanaians are equipped not only with information but with access to youth-friendly health services and safe spaces for dialogue,” he said.
President Mahama emphasized that efforts to curb new infections must include schools, families, healthcare providers, and the media, working collaboratively to eliminate stigma and foster open, supportive environments.
The President also drew attention to another major public health issue, anemia among pregnant women, which continues to impact maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.
“It is said that 50 percent of pregnant women in Ghana suffer from some form of anemia. This is a direct reflection of poor nutrition, inequality, and inadequate health education,” he noted.
President Mahama stressed the need for comprehensive maternal care, nutritional support, and stronger community outreach, describing improved maternal health as “not a choice, but a necessity for the future of our mothers and children.”
He assured that the government remains committed to addressing these health challenges through integrated national policies and sustained investment in SDG Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
The President also reiterated the importance of data-driven decision-making and inclusive stakeholder engagement, calling on international development partners to deepen support for Ghana’s public health sector.
“Health is not only a human right. It is a development imperative. Let us not allow these rising numbers to become our new normal,” he warned.
The 2025 VNR launch brought together cabinet ministers, UN officials, civil society actors, and youth leaders, all of whom echoed the call for renewed urgency in tackling HIV, anemia, and broader health disparities.
