Josiah
The 2022 Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) revealed that nearly 80% of young women in Ghana engage in unprotected sexual encounters, commonly referred to as “raw sex.” Despite being aware that consistent condom use can reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), a significant proportion of young women continue to engage in unprotected sex, as per the survey findings.
The GSS survey highlighted that 79% of women aged 15 to 24 are cognizant that using condoms consistently contributes to their overall health improvement. This awareness, however, does not appear to translate into widespread practice, according to the survey.
A report released by the AIDS Commission in August 2023 indicated that women accounted for two-thirds of all new HIV infections in Ghana. Out of the 16,574 new HIV infections reported in 2022, 5,647 cases involved men, while 10,927 cases involved women.
Furthermore, the survey disclosed that 17.5% of married males admitted to having two or more sexual partners, and 18.4% reported engaging in intercourse with someone other than their spouse or cohabiting partner. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the gap between awareness and behavioral practices, particularly in the context of sexual health among young women in Ghana.
