The President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, has revealed that about 80 percent of all HIV infections in Ghana are linked to sexual intercourse. He made this disclosure during a Valentine’s Day outreach event at West Hills Mall in Accra, where the network gave out HIV self-test kits and condoms as part of public health prevention efforts.
According to Mr. Ortsin, while HIV can be transmitted in several ways, data in Ghana shows that sexual activity remains the dominant mode of infection. He said that “out of every 10 people infected with HIV in the country, eight contracted the virus through sexual intercourse.”
Mr. Ortsin explained that the Valentine’s Day distribution of condoms was not intended to encourage sexual activity but to promote safe sex practices and reduce new infections, particularly during times when sexual encounters might increase.
He also highlighted mother-to-child transmission as another significant route of infection, especially when HIV-positive mothers do not adhere strictly to their antiretroviral treatment. He used the occasion to urge women living with HIV to consistently take their prescribed medication to lower the risk of passing the virus to their babies.
The GHANET president reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to ongoing public education and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing new HIV cases and supporting national efforts aligned with global HIV/AIDS prevention goals.
