The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has urged the public to avoid ‘risky’ sexual activities during the Easter celebration.
According to Dr Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Commission, the risky sexual activity involves having sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown or having unprotected casual sex. Dr Atuahene advised Ghanaians to take responsibility for their lives during this period.
“Easter is a period where the global community should acknowledge the need to protect people from any act that can undermine their health,” he said.
Dr Atuahene also cautioned individuals who have untreated Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) to avoid unprotected sex and protect the lives of others. “As we celebrate Easter, I would like to remind the public that HIV is still with us and everyone needs to protect themselves as sexual contact is the main cause of new HIV infections in the country,” he stated.
The Director General highlighted various Easter leisure activities such as the Kwahu Easter festivities, keep fit special exercise, Easter conventions, picnics, and beach activities. He emphasized the importance of individuals taking precautions by knowing their HIV status and practising safe sex during these events.
Dr Atuahene noted that Ghanaians have become complacent with HIV, and the disease no longer appears to be an issue of public health. However, over 16,000 people get infected with HIV each year, and more than 10,000 people die of AIDS-related diseases.
“This event of Christ’s suffering and resurrection reminds us of the need to preserve lives,” he added.
Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. AIDS is a chronic immune system disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which damages the immune system and interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. HIV can be spread through contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.
While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, medications can control the infection and prevent disease progression.
Discussion about this post