NADMO holds workshop on HIV/AIDS

Tema, July 9, GNA -- Sheik I.C. Ouaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister on Wednesday noted that the region is under siege by the HIV/AIDS that is capable of destroying the most valued asset of human resource. He said the prevalence rate of the virus, is gradually moving from the known three to 4.1 per cent, an indication that the behavioural change which, "we all clamour for, is not catching up with us".

Sheik Quaye, who was opening a day's workshop for Greater Accra Regional employees of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) disclosed that HIV prevalence rate in the region sums up to 4.1 per cent.

Giving some statistics, he explained that Tema, which is rated high, is 6.6 per cent, Maamobi, 4.2 per cent, Adabraka, four per cent and Korle-Bu, 2.2 per cent.

The Regional Minister said the use of Tema harbour by the land locked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and of late Cote d'Ivoire, has brought in its wake the attendant movement of sex workers to the vicinity of the port, and other factors have suddenly shot up the prevalent rate at Tema to 6.6 per cent.

He said the government has responded to the HIV/AIDS epidemic by facilitating a multi-sectoral approach that focuses on mobilising human, material and financial resources in all sectors, including civil society, private sector, and communities to plan, implement and monitor appropriate prevention, care and support interventions.

In this connection, the Ministry of Health has played a leading role in these efforts, including the provision of strategic information for monitoring the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and for planning and monitoring the national response.

The Regional Minister said the establishment of the Ghana Aids Commission has given an impetus to the collaboration with other ministries, departments, and agencies, NGOs, community based organisations and faith-based organisations in the drive against HIV/AIDS.

Mr Samuel Evans Ashong Narh, Tema Municipal Chief Executive in a welcoming address, noted that one of the drawbacks to the effectiveness of the HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign in achieving the desired results appears to be the creeping and pervading poverty in communities.

It is, therefore, imperative that strategies for the reversal and eventual elimination of the HIV/AIDS menace should include measures at improving the economic well-being of Ghanaians.

Nii Abotsi Dortey 111, Presiding Member of the Tema Municipal Assembly chaired the function. Among those present were District Chief Executives from the other districts in the region.