Ghana AIDS Commission Launches Condom-Distribution Program Ahead Of African Cup Of Nations

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 15 Jan 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The Ghana AIDS Commission has launched a condom-distribution program ahead of the African Cup of Nations, which is scheduled for Jan. 20 to Feb. 10 in the country, Nigeria's Vanguard reports.

With support from the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, the commission will distribute 5,000 condoms at no cost to hotels in Ghana accommodating African Cup guests to help reduce the spread of HIV during the tournament. The campaign is urging both men and women to take advantage of the condoms. Sakyi Awuku Amoa, director general of the commission, called on people to be mindful of HIV transmission during the tournament, when more than one million people are expected to visit the country. Amoa also urged young people not to engage in commercial sex work with visitors.

According to Amoa, more than 300,000 HIV/AIDS cases were recorded in the country from 2005 to 2006, including 21,828 cases involving children ages 14 and younger. Most of the cases were transmitted sexually, through blood transfusions or by using unsterilized tools, the Vanguard reports. About 11,500 people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana receive treatment through 84 treatment centers nationwide, while 21,000 people are on the treatment waiting list, according to the Vanguard (Ubani, Vanguard, 1/10).

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