Minister Worried About HIV/AIDS Prevalence Rate

The Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Nana Kwadwo Seinti, has expressed concern about the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the region.

The region ranked third among the ten regions in the country after Eastern and Western Regions with a prevalence rate of 4.5 which is far above the national prevalence of 3.1% down from 3.6% in 2003.

This was contained in a speech read on his behalf by the Regional Co- ordinating Director, Mr F O Boateng, on the occasion of the launch of the 2005 National Service week Celebration held at VAG Hall in Sunyani., with the theme; "The role of the National service personnel in the fight against HIV/AIDS Menace".

Nana Kwadwo Seinti stated that ?you will note that while the national prevalence rate is declining, the prevalence in our region is increasing.?

He said prevalence rate for Sunyani increased from 2.0% in 2003 to 2.5% in 2004, Asunafo rose from 3.6% in 2003 to 4.1% in 2004, while Wenchi rose from 5.4% in 2003 to 6.8% in 2004, making it the second highest prevalent site in the country after Agormanya in the Eastern region which had 7.4% down from 9.2% in 2003.

He added that the number of orphans keeps on increasing at a fast rate in Ghana due to the epidemic.

The situation places a great strain on social system to provide the needed care, support and supervision, increasing mortality and reduced life expectancy leading to a decline in the labour force which has a negative impact on the economy.

The Regional President of the Ghana National Service, Mr Kwame Opoku Bediako, pointed out that some problems facing service personnel in the region are lack of accommodation especially for the males and called on the authorities to build at least transit unit blocks at every district in the region.

He expressed concern on the lukewarm attitude of service personnel towards meetings and any programme they organise.

The sad side of the event was that out of the over 400 personnel in the region, only 50 were in attendance.