‘Most people like it raw’ – Sonnie Badu on reasons HIV/AIDS cases keep rising in Ghana
'Most people like it raw' - Sonnie Badu on why HIV/AIDS cases keep rising in Ghana GhanaWeb
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Sustainable Development Goals and HIV/AIDS in Ghana
Sonnie Badu is a gospel musician
Introduction
Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician Sonnie Badu has highlighted the increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in Ghana and attributed it to the practice of unprotected sex.
Unprotected Sex and HIV/AIDS
Badu emphasized that individuals in Ghana are not using condoms during sexual encounters, which puts them at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. He expressed concern over the rising rate of HIV/AIDS cases in the country and urged the public to prioritize protected sex.
Sensitization and Education
During an interview with Accra FM, monitored by GhanaWeb, Badu called upon the Ghana AIDS Commission to intensify their efforts in educating the general public about the dangers associated with HIV/AIDS. He emphasized the need for comprehensive sensitization campaigns to address the issue.
Data on HIV/AIDS in Ghana
According to recent data released by the Ghana AIDS Commission, there were 16,574 new cases of HIV infections recorded in 2022, compared to 18,036 infections in 2021. These new infections affected individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults.
Impact of HIV/AIDS
The data also revealed that a total of 9,359 AIDS-related deaths were recorded in Ghana. The age breakdown of these deaths included adults (15+ years), children (0-14 years), adolescents (10-19 years), and young people (15-24 years). The total number of HIV cases in Ghana currently stands at 354,927, with individuals aged 15 and above being the most affected.
Sustainable Development Goals
The issue of HIV/AIDS in Ghana aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Promoting sexual health and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS is crucial for achieving this goal.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Addressing HIV/AIDS requires addressing gender inequalities, as women and girls are disproportionately affected by the disease.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Ensuring access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, is essential for reducing inequalities.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaboration between the government, civil society organizations, and international partners is necessary to effectively combat HIV/AIDS in Ghana.
Conclusion
The increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in Ghana is a cause for concern. Sonnie Badu’s call for public education and sensitization, along with the implementation of sustainable strategies aligned with the SDGs, can contribute to the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the country.
Watch the video below:
SB/OGB
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
- SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
- SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of new HIV/AIDS cases recorded annually
- Number of people practicing protected sex
- Number of AIDS-related deaths
- Total number of HIV infections in Ghana
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases. | – Number of new HIV/AIDS cases recorded annually – Number of AIDS-related deaths |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences. | – Number of people practicing protected sex |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard. | – Total number of HIV infections in Ghana |
Note: The specific indicators listed in the table are based on the information provided in the article.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ghanaweb.com
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