The future of Ghana's youth must be protected - Tarkwa-Nsuaem MCE urges

"Our response to HIV/AIDS cannot be overemphasised considering the escalating pattern of HIV infection among the youth in the region should be great concern to all," the Municipal Chief Executive for Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality has noted.

He expressed worry over the rampant infection of HIV/AIDS among the youth fraternity, the youth is the future and engine of growth for the country, he therefore urged the Regional and Municipal AIDS Commission, Municipal Health Directorate, Civil society organisations, Education Directorates and all other stakeholders to collaborate for high impact and achieve goal-oriented policies towards eradicating this deadly virus.

Hon Gilbert Ken Asmah disclosed this in his keynote address at the 2018 Western Regional AIDS day celebration in Tarkwa to commemorate this year’s World AIDS Day in the Western Region, he further advisee the youth to avoid all forms of unhealthy lifestyles so as not to endanger their health against the deadly HIV/AIDS.

“It is refreshing to know that the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly and its stakeholder's are working tirelessly to create the enabling environment to create employment opportunities, educate and encourage the active and constant participation of the youth in the governance and development process of the country, it is vital for us to ensure that the youth adopt responsible living at all times, he observed.

This year's global AIDS Day in Ghana was themed "Test, Treat to suppress and Stop new HIV infections, in accompaniment with the global theme of " Know Your Status".

He stressed the need for all to eschew all forms of stigmatization against people living with as we are all at risk. adding, that many have died prematurely due to stigmatization Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality fully endorse the 90-90-90 target that Ghana has set for ending AIDS, to wit 90 percent of people who are HIV infected would be diagnosed, 90 percent of diagnosed HIV people would be on anti retroviral treatment and 90 percent of those who receive anti retroviral, would be virally suppressed.

The Tarkwa-Nsuaem MCE tasked the youth to comply strictly to the ABC (Abstinence, Be Careful and Condom use) of HIV to ensure the drastic reduction of fresh infections and charged parents, guardians, clergy and teachers to join the crusade, he hinted.

In his presentation, the Municipal Health Director for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Mr. Emmanuel Affelkum emphasised the essence for everyone to know his or her status and comply to the prescribed dosage of antiretroviral therapy for an improved healthy living, adding that the Directorate would give its utmost best in partnership with all stakeholders for an intensive advocacy to achieve the country's set agenda 90-90-90.

The event was well attended by eminent personalities like Nana Dr. Adarkwah Bediako II, Gyaasehene of Apinto traditional Council, Mr. Issac Kwakye, TNMA Municipal Coordinating Director, Ag Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, Samuel Koffie, The General Manager, Goldfields Ghana Ltd, the Clergy.