Upper East Health Service target 200,000 for HIV Test.

Bolgatanga, Aug 14, GNA - The Upper East Region branch of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched the "know your status HIV/AIDS campaign", targeting over 200,000 people. The programme involves convincing people to volunteer to be counselled and tested for HIV and was launched on Thursday by the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Koku Awoonor-Williams, said in Bolgatanga.

He said it was better for one to know one's status early because continuous treatment with the anti-retroviral drugs could keep one healthy and strong and also protect them from advancing into the AIDS stage.

Dr. Awoonor-Williams said people should go either to the Regional Hospital or any of the district hospitals for counselling and testing. He expressed concern at the high prevalence rate of HIV in the Kassena Nankana District, which is 2.8 per cent as compared to the regional rate of 2.0 per cent and the national rate of 1.7 per cent and urged all Health personnel to step up the campaign against HIV/AIDS. The Director called for team work and commitment, saying even though the Regional Health Service faced some challenges, they could be solved if all focused their attention at tackling them. "The Upper East can make a difference, so let us make it happen", he told the workers.

Mr. Samuel Anyogdem, Regional Coordinator of HIV/AIDS, said six district hospitals in the region administered anti retroviral therapy that was available for all HIV positive people and helped them to maintain their health. He said those tested positive were linked to non-governmental organisations and faith based organizations that support people who are positive. 14 Aug 09