The Ghana HIV/AIDS Network (GHANET) has urged Ghanaians to prioritise knowing their HIV status, stressing that regular testing and correct condom use remain critical tools in preventing new infections, especially among young people.

The call comes amid reports that some men are shunning condom use over claims that condoms on the Ghanaian market are too small, an assertion GHANET has dismissed as unfounded.

Speaking on the sidelines of an HIV awareness creation exercise in the Ga South Municipality to mark this year’s Valentine’s Day, President of GHANET, Ernest Ortsin, assured the public that all approved condoms meet strict safety and quality standards.

“I can assure you that all the condoms on the market have been tested by the Ghana Standards Authority and they have ensured that these condoms are of the highest quality, the highest standard,” he said.

“It is not true unless they are not buying from the right places,” he added, urging the public to purchase condoms only from approved outlets.

The event formed part of a nationwide campaign by GHANET to promote responsible sexual behaviour and expand access to HIV testing services on a day widely associated with intimacy.

Ortsin also expressed concern over reports of an alleged viral video involving several women engaged in unprotected sexual activity with a foreign national, warning that such behaviour significantly heightens the risk of HIV transmission.

“You don’t know the HIV status of the person, and so if you have unprotected sex with a person you are putting yourself at risk,” he cautioned.
“I want to encourage all of us, don’t engage in unprotected sex. Always make sure that you are protected.”

Free HIV testing and condom distribution were central to the exercise.

Administrative Manager of GHANET, Bernice Ababio, said as of 1530 hours, about 350 test kits had been distributed.

“About 150 people opted for assisted testing, while about 200 chose unassisted testing and decided to take the kits home,” she said.

She explained that the initiative was designed to make testing more accessible, particularly to young people celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Prosper Akanbong, said similar campaigns were being replicated nationwide, including in tertiary institutions and major public spaces.

“In fact, it’s good to get to know your HIV status because that helps with linking yourself to treatment and protecting other people as well,” he said.

Dr Akanbong disclosed that Ghana recorded 15,290 new HIV infections in 2024, with young people among the most affected groups. He noted that increased testing partly accounts for the rise in reported cases.

Programme Manager of the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, Dr Emmanuel Teviu, underscored the importance of consistent and correct condom use.

“It’s not just about taking the condoms, it’s also about using them,” he said. “Proper and consistent use of the condom is the only way we can protect ourselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.”





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