Bole District at risk of HIV/AIDS

Bole (N/R), Aug. 17, GNA - Madam Elizabeth Salamatu Forgor, the Bole District Chief Executive has warned of an imminent spread of HIV/AIDS in the district if measures are not taken to caution the youth against seeking greener pastures in neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire. She noted that the people had cause to worry because Bole shared boundary and engaged in economic activities with Cote d'Ivoire, which is noted for high HIV/AIDS prevalence.

Madam Forgor was speaking at a day's refresher-training workshop on HIV/AIDS for 50 participants including chiefs, queen mothers and religious bodies in Bole.

The Bole District Assembly organised the workshop, which was sponsored by ActionAid Ghana, to equip participants with knowledge and skills in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Madam Forgor said even though statistics compiled by the District Assembly indicated a downward trend in the incidence of the disease, every effort must be made to reduce its impact.

She urged the participants to impress upon their people to abstain from casual sex and to remain faithful to their partners or use condom when they could not resist the temptation to have sex.

The DCE noted the importance of the chieftaincy institutions in development and said for that reason the chiefs had been invited to the workshop for sensitisation so that they could support the efforts of government and other NGOs in their fight against HIV/AIDS. She said the government was committed to improving the health status of every Ghanaian, hence the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme.

She assured the people that the Bole District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme was on course for a smooth take-off.