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

["Medical News Today" <procaare@healthnet.org>]

Ghana AIDS Commission Launches Condom-Distribution Program Ahead Of 
African Cup Of Nations
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs
Medical News Today: 15 Jan 2008
*******************

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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