HIV/AIDS awareness programme at Buduburam refugee camp

Buduburam (C/R), Sept 17, GNA- About 40 people at the Buduburam refugee camp have undergone HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) to know their status.

The free medical test was organized by the women's department of the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs to educate the people on the need to abstain from unprotected sex as well as on other health related issues.

Mrs. Jane Sefah, Greater Accra Regional Coordinator of HIV/AIDS of the Ghana Health Service said reports from health facilities in the country indicated that the disease was fast spreading despite intensification of educational campaign. She said upon the numerous reports about the dangers of the disease, some people have not changed their sexual behaviour and indulge in unprotected sex.

Mrs Sefah stated that every day approximately 150 people in Ghana get infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. According to her many people who are infected with HIV look and feel healthy for years before becoming sick and dying from the disease. She said such people unknowingly pass on the virus to others through the sharing razor blades, sex and injection needles. The Regional Coordinator urged families not to shun or avoid their relatives with HIV/AIDS, because they need love and care. She advised the students and unmarried to abstain from sex or else to use a condom to avoid contracting the disease.