According to the foundation, incorporating HIV/AIDS education in the curriculum would also strengthen preventive knowledge among the youth from an early age.
It also wants the government to introduce basic concepts in infection prevention in preschool education.
Ms Esther Kakie Ayimavor, publicly known as Naana Kakie, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, in a statement to mark World AIDS Day, said early education lays the foundation for informed decision-making, improved health awareness, and responsible behaviour in adolescence and adulthood.
It noted that integrating age-appropriate health and sexuality education into kindergarten and lower primary curricula would help children develop a better understanding of HIV, reduce stigma, and build confidence to make healthier choices as they grow.
The foundation expressed concern about recent HIV statistics and urged stakeholders to take urgent steps to address vulnerabilities among young people, especially in regions with higher prevalence.
According to the latest Ghana AIDS Commission and National Surveillance Data, Greater Accra Region currently has the highest number of people living with HIV, which is about 77,821, followed by Ashanti and Eastern Regions respectively with 54,824 and 42,386 respectively.
In terms of prevalence among persons aged 15 to 49, the Bono Region remains the highest at 2.22 per cent, followed by Eastern 2.08 per cent, and Ahafo1.88 per cent.
The North East Region, continues to record the lowest prevalence at 0.43 per cent.
The foundation noted that although Ghana has made progress in expanding treatment access and reducing AIDS-related deaths, prevention among young people remains a major challenge.
It therefore called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ghana AIDS Commission and civil-society organisations to ensure that schools become a frontline platform for sustained HIV prevention.
GNA
