We cannot afford Retroviral drugs - HIV/AIDS Patient

Takoradi, Dec 2, GNA - Mr Charles Aikins, a Member of the Wisdom Association made up of HIV/AIDS patients, has appealed to the government to supply Anti-Retroviral Drugs free of charge to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), in the country.

He made the appeal at the Takoradi Polytechnic Park during this year's National Celebration of World AIDS Day, at Takoradi. Members of the Association are undertaking small-scale income generating ventures.

Mr Aikins, said most of the victims were unemployed due to the effects of the disease, adding, "Many of us cannot even afford traditional medicines which are relatively cheaper."

He said that people with the disease should get the right treatment, affordable housing and care, good food and employment to improve their self-esteem and integrate them into the society.

Mr. Aikins said discrimination and stigmatisation against PLWHA could be stopped if Ghanaians accepted and supported them.

"If this is not done many people living with the HIV/AIDS will not declare their status but keep on infecting others with it," he said.