Rising HIV Cases Among Youth a Wake-Up Call on Education Failures – Mahama Warns
Mahama calls for stronger collaboration between schools, parents, health workers, and media to curb infection rates
- HIV cases among Ghanaian youth are rising sharply, with over 15,000 new infections
- Mahama blames the surge on poor communication, stigma, and weak sexual health education
- He calls for youth-centered solutions and stronger collaboration across schools, families, and media
President John Dramani Mahama has voiced deep concern over the alarming rise in HIV infections among Ghana’s youth, pointing to serious shortcomings in the country’s education, communication, and support systems.
Responding to the Ghana AIDS Commission’s 2024 report, which documented 15,290 new HIV cases—including 4,987 men and 11,289 adults aged 15 and above—Mahama stressed that the statistics reflect a national failure to adequately inform and protect young people.
Speaking at the launch of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Voluntary National Review, he criticized the overreliance on traditional awareness efforts and called for a more engaging, youth-centered approach.
“The growing HIV rates, particularly among the youth, signal deep-rooted issues—poor communication, lingering stigma, and lack of access to proper sexual health education,” Mahama stated.
He urged stakeholders—including schools, healthcare professionals, parents, and the media—to work together to directly involve young people in shaping a more effective response. “Prevention is critical, but real progress lies in empowerment,” he emphasized.
Mahama also highlighted anaemia among pregnant women as another major health challenge, noting that nearly half of expectant mothers in Ghana are affected.
“This speaks volumes about the state of nutrition, inequality, and health education. Ensuring better maternal health isn’t optional—it’s essential for the well-being of both mothers and children,” he said.
