Rama Foundation presents items to HIV/AIDS patients

Tamale, Sept. 16, GNA - Rama Foundation, an NGO dedicated to improving the living conditions of the marginalized and vulnerable in society has presented assorted items valued over 80 million cedis to two HIV/AIDS groups in the Tamale Metropolis and the Savelugu District. The items, which were donated to the Brotherhood Association of Savelugu and the Mabahigu Association of Tamale, included 50 crates of minerals, 20 bags of rice, 15 bags of maize, five cartons of cooking oil and five cartons of soap.

Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama, President of Rama Foundation who made the presentation at a one-day workshop on HIV/AIDS in Tamale on Saturday noted that people affected by HIV/AIDS lost their jobs, which affected their ability to care for their dependants.

The Workshop, which was on the theme: "Be your brothers Keeper was organised in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission. She called on NGOs and other organisations to promote income generation activities and the provision of micro-credit to People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAS) by involving them in economic activities. She particularly urged district assemblies to extend credit from their Poverty Alleviation Fund to PLWHAS.

The wife of the Vice President urged the PLWHAS to venture into areas such as vegetable farming, shea butter extraction and the handicraft industry, adding that, these were economic activities that did not require huge capital outlays.

Hajia Ramatu said if these were done effectively it would give hope to those with HIV/AIDS to live normal lives and also go a long way to release the stress on them as a result of stigmatisation and discrimination.

She said antiretroviral drugs were now being administered in hospitals throughout the country at subsidised prices and urged the PLHAS to take advantage.

Madam Zalia Zempare, Executive Director of Rama Foundation, also provided six million cedis to three orphan children for the payment of their school fees and to provide them with uniforms and bags. She said the Foundation had also spent about 3.6 million cedis for the purchase of drugs for HIV/AIDS patients.