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Ghana’s fight against HIV is receiving renewed attention this Valentine’s season, as the Ghana AIDS Commission prepares to distribute thousands of condoms and HIV test kits nationwide.
The nationwide exercise will take place on February 13 to mark International Condom Day, a global observance held ahead of Valentine’s Day to promote safe sex and reduce the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Speaking in an interview, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Prosper Akanbong, said this year would be the first time Ghana formally observes the day.
“February 13 has always been International Condom Day, and for the first time, Ghana will be observing it,” he said.
Dr Akanbong explained that the initiative is being led by the Ghana AIDS Commission in partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which is entering Ghana for the first time.
“The Ghana AIDS Commission is leading this with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, who are now entering Ghana for the first time. We will officially launch the activities on the 13th of February,” he stated.
According to him, the main objective is to raise awareness and encourage condom use, particularly during the Valentine season when many people celebrate romantic relationships.
“This is where we bring awareness to the use of condoms. It is part of the strategy to ensure people understand that there is an International Condom Day and that condom use remains critical,” he said.
Dr Akanbong added that a variety of condoms would be distributed to address different preferences.
“There will be various types available — flavoured, non-flavoured and others,” he noted.
The exercise forms part of broader national efforts to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS, especially during festive periods when the risk of unsafe sexual practices may increase. HIV test kits will also be distributed nationwide to encourage people to know their status.
Addressing concerns that some men avoid condoms due to issues of size and comfort, Dr Akanbong acknowledged the perceptions but stressed that protection remains essential.
“There have been concerns in the past, with some saying the condoms available were too small for Ghanaian men. These issues have been noted, and the key message remains that protection is critical in preventing HIV and other infections,” he said.
Source: joynews
