?25 million grant for AIDS campaign

The government has secured a ?25 million five year credit facility from the world Bank for the disbursement to NGOs, government departments and other relevant bodies engaged in HIV/AIDS control and education programmes to enable them to carry out to with their activities.

The director of finance of the Ghana AIDS Commission announced this when he spoke at a debate organised for 23 first and second cycle schools in the Tema metropolis.

The debate was organised by the Centre for the Development of African Future Leaders and participating schools included Tema Secondary School, Tema PRESEC, Kpone JSS, and Community Eight Number Two JSS, among others.

Over 1000 students attended the programme, which was interspersed with music and drama on HIV/AIDS.

The debate forms part of the Youth Development Centre's programme of creating awareness among the youth on vital social issues.

Mr Addo said the government has also put in place viable measures to ensure that activities aimed at combating the spread of the disease are not derailed for lack of funds.

Touching on the topic for the debate which was "condom use and abstinence which is the best?" Mr Addo urged the youth to stay clear of people who might pressure them to engage in sex.

He said reports reaching the commission indicates that although HIV/AIDS prevalent rates among the youth is rising the tide could be stemmed if more emphasis is placed on abstinence.

The founder and President of CEDAFEL, Mrs Georgina Dzirasah, commended the UNICEF for supporting the programme and urged parents to discuss the issue of AIDS with their children.