HIV/AIDS cases on the increase in the Ahafo-Ano North District

Tepa, (Ash), Feb. 4 GNA - The Ahafo-Ano North District Directorate of the Ghana Health Services recorded 140 cases of HIV/AIDS in 2008 as against 69 cases in 2007. The increase was attributed to the Voluntary, Testing and Counselling (VTC) introduced in the District to enable many people know their health status.

Mrs. Elizabeth Adentwi, District Director of Health Services, disclosed this at this year's performance review meeting held at Tepa at the weekend. Dr. Akuamoah Boateng said the District has welcomed the move by the Government to establish the Ahafoman District Hospital at Tepa to cater for the health needs of the people in the area and appealed to the Government to speed up its implementation. He emphasised the importance of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and asked the people to register and pay their premiums to enable them to have access to health care. Mr. Kofi Poku, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of GHS in-charge of Administration, commended the health personnel in the district for their commitment and dedication to duty towards improving the health of the people.

He appealed to chiefs and community leaders to support and provide the health personnel in the various communities with decent accommodation to motivate them to work harder. Mr. Annin Yeboah, District Co-ordinating Director, who presided at the meeting, assured the readiness of the Assembly to support the District Health Directorate with logistics to improve the performance of the health personnel.