Workshop for blind on HIV/AIDS

Suhum (E/R), Jan. 11, GNA - A day's training workshop on HIV/AIDS for over 60 visually impaired in the Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District was held at Suhum in the Eastern Region.

The workshop, which was organized by the Ghana Association for the Blind (GAB) in-conjunction with the District Assembly drew participants from Mankrong, Teacher Mante, Suhum, Obuasi, Ayekrokoso, Coaltar, Anum Apapam, and Kofi Pare on the theme: "The blind, get involved in the HIV/AIDS Education".

The District President of the Association, Mr Richard Ofori Duku, said there was the need for intensive education on the alarming rate at which the HIV/AIDS was spreading and that the blind were no exception. Mr Duku said some of the blind were capable of doing some work but they rather decided to go on the street to beg for alms especially the women.

The resource person, Miss Sarah Kwao took the members through the causes of the HIV/AIDS, its symptoms and prevention and the use of the condom and reminded them that HIV/AIDS was real and had no cure. Miss Kwao, who is also the District Director of the Department of Social Welfare, told them that the Suhum/Kraboa/Coaltar District was rated third most infected in the Eastern Region.

She said even though some of the NGO's, religious organisations and the government were doing everything possible to create awareness about the disease, some elements in the society were pulling the programme back.

She appealed to the District Assembly to assist the blind by giving them the poverty alleviation fund and commended some of the NGOs for their continued assistance to the blind in the District.