HIV/AIDS SCARE; B/A Records 14,555 Cases

The rate at which the dreadful HIV/AIDS is escalating in Brong Ahafo region is very alarming. Even though the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) in collaboration with the regional health directorate has intensified the campaign against the pandemic, the targeted groups have ignored the awareness creation.

Statistically it has been detected that from January to September 2006 1,799 HIV/AIDS cases were reported in the region. This brings the cumulative HIV/AIDS cases reported within 20 years in B/A to 14,522.

Dr. Mohammed Bin Ibrahim, B/A regional health director said this at Kenyase No. 2 when addressing a section of people in the area as part of education against HIV/AIDS. He reiterated that following the tireless efforts of the regional heath directorate the prevalence rate decreased from 4.5% in 2004 - 3.3% in 2005, describing it as a laudable achievement.

Dr. Ibrahim however explained that it is sad to note that the region now ranked second on the national calendar after eastern region in terms of HIV prevalence rate. Government departments, NGOs, faith based organizations, the media , individuals and importantly people living with HIV/AIDS as well all recognized associations were reminded on the need to keep their promises to fight HIV/AIDS.

According to the regional health director, some obsolete traditions practiced by some tribes in the region are fueling the spread of HIV/AIDS. He was compelled to cite widow inheritance whereby a man inherits his dead brother’s wife without even knowing the cause of death as one of such practice, adding that such traditions must be seen as a major threat to the crusade against HIV/AIDS.

A passionate appeal was made to chiefs and other opinion leaders in the region to reinstall the puberty rites and other marriage laws that promote abstinence from sex before marriage. This he noted when done will go a long way to reduce the spread of the pandemic.

Speaking from health point of view, the regional director expressed concern over the rate at which young women have embraced obscene dresses ‘Apuskelenke’. Dr. Bin Ibrahim said such strange attire have also contributed immensely towards the spread of the disease. He later spoke vehemently against sexual promiscuity and all other negative vices that have tendency to contribute to the spread.

The regional health director advised Ghanaians not to hesitate to join the campaign against HIV/AIDS because the efforts of the central government as well as her working partners alone would not be enough.