Parliament urged to enact law to waive fees charged for AIDS test

Twifo Praso (C/R), Nov. 20, GNA- Participants at a workshop on the HIV/AIDS at Twifo-Praso on Wednesday have appealed to Parliament to enact a law to make AIDS tests free of charge.

The participants including hairdressers, barbers and tailors said the 70,000 cedis currently being charged for an AIDS test was too high and that many people, especially those in the rural areas could not afford.

They suggested a fund to be created for AIDS patients whose families have neglected them.

In his address, the Reverend Ababio Danquah, Twifo-Heman-Lower-Denkyira District Local Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, said since most of the infections were contracted through sex, there was the need for all Ghanaians to lead lives worthy of emulation by being faithful to one's partner.

He appealed to the participants to change their sexual life styles and refrain from pre-marital sex, and urged the participants to sterilise their tools as a precautionary measure against the disease.

Mr Victor Mentu, chairman of the local CBO, which organised the workshop, asked the participants to show love and compassion to people living with AIDS.