Students afraid to undergo HIV/AIDS test

Takoradi, Dec 1, GNA - A cross-section of students in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis have said they are unwilling to voluntarily undergo HIV and AIDS testing.

About 50 students from Takoradi Senior High School, SDA SHS, Bompeh Technical Senior, Methodist Senior High and Ahantaman Senior High GNA interviewed expressed different views about the pandemic. Anthony Nunoo, a student of the Takoradi Senior High School, said he=

was not sure of voluntary testing to know his status, "I may consider testing if health officials come to my school".

When the GNA asked him about the various ways of preventing the disease, Master Nunoo mentioned the condom and abstinence. Amaryllis Mintah, a student of the SDA School, said she did not see the need to test for the pandemic.

Andy Papa Quansah, a student of Mfantipim School in Cape Coast, said he was not mentally prepared to undergo any voluntary testing. "It is better= to be in the unknown than to know and die quicker".

Sedrick Ewih, a student of the Takoradi Senior High School, said knowing one's status could cause fear and panic. Gabriel Appiah and Andy Oppong said they were willing to undergo the=

test to know their status. Mrs Ruth Kwamin, a teacher, called for more awareness creation on voluntary counseling and testing. 01 Dec 10