*GHANA AIDS COMMISSION INTENSIFIES HIV PREVENTION EDUCATION AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE*

The Ghana AIDS Commission has intensified HIV prevention education among young people through outreach programmes in schools and communities, with a strong call for responsible sexual behaviour, HIV testing and the prevention of stigma. Madam Rita Afriyie, Technical Coordinator for the Greater Accra Technical Support Unit of the Ghana AIDS Commission, said the initiative is aimed at reaching young people with accurate information on HIV prevention and healthy living. She explained that although some young people may not always listen to advice at an early age, the Commission is taking HIV education directly to schools and communities to help young people make informed decisions. Madam Afriyie encouraged young people to abstain from sexual activity where possible and, for those who are sexually active, to protect themselves by using condoms correctly and consistently. She also urged young people to know their HIV status by getting tested at health facilities, where health professionals and other trained personnel can provide counselling and support. According to her, HIV should not be viewed as the end of a person's life, stressing that people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives when they adhere to their prescribed medication, maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat nutritious food. She added that the Commission's education programmes also cover gender-based violence, healthy living and ways of preventing HIV transmission. Madam Afriyie further dispelled misconceptions about HIV transmission, explaining that HIV cannot be transmitted through ordinary social contact such as shaking hands, eating together, sitting with a person living with HIV or using the same toilet. She therefore appealed to the public, particularly young people, to stop stigmatizing people living with HIV and instead show them love, care and support. She urged young people and the general public to seek accurate information from health facilities and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and prevent the spread of HIV. The Ghana AIDS Commission says continued education, regular HIV testing, responsible sexual behaviour, condom use and the elimination of stigma remain important measures in the fight against HIV.