Young Doctor Kneels to Warn Ghanaian Youth Against HIV

A young man presented as a doctor has sparked discussion online after going on his knees to warn young people about HIV.

In the viral video, he claimed that a young woman he recently tested received a positive HIV result.

“I just tested a young, beautiful girl, and sadly she’s HIV Positive. She may have gotten it from her boyfriend,” he said.

He used the story to encourage people to know their HIV status, practise safer sex and take the virus seriously.

The identity of the woman was not disclosed. Her alleged diagnosis and the claim that she contracted HIV from her boyfriend have not been independently confirmed.

A person cannot determine who transmitted HIV to someone based only on a positive result. A reactive screening result also requires proper confirmation by qualified health professionals.

The World Health Organization advises people to use condoms correctly and consistently. People who face a higher risk can also speak with a healthcare professional about pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP.

HIV can be managed with antiretroviral treatment. People who take their medication and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV sexually.

The video has encouraged conversations about testing. It has also raised concerns about protecting patients’ privacy and avoiding language that could increase stigma against people living with HIV.