Traditional leaders urged to spearhead the campaign on HIV/AIDS

Anum (E/R), July 20, GNA - Ms Golda Asante, Eastern Regional Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, has stressed the need for traditional leaders to spearhead the campaign on HIV/AIDS in their areas. She said queens for instance could act as focal points in organizing forums in their communities to educate young girls on the devastating nature of the AIDS pandemic. Ms Asante was speaking at an HIV/AIDS advocacy workshop on negative cultural practices that promote the spread of the virus at Anum in the Asuogyaman District.

Traditional authorities, opinion leaders, students and a cross section of the general public attended the workshop, which was organized by the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs in collaboration with the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) with support from the Ghana AIDS Commission.

She said queens could also collaborate with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and other stakeholders to solve the high rate of teenage pregnancy and maternal mortality in the region. Ms Asante appealed to traditional leaders to build AIDS competence by identifying harmful, social and customary practices that constitute a hindrance to anti-HIV/AIDS efforts.

She urged them to encourage schools, families and community groups to include HIV/AIDS education in their homes and curriculum and also get involved in joint and multi-sector social marketing campaigns against HIV/AIDS.

Ms Asante said traditional authorities' involvement could include acting as directors, spokespersons, intermediaries and advisors for HIV awareness and education campaign and providing support for people living with the virus.

Dr S.B. Ofori, the regional co-ordinator of NACO, said traditional authorities could play a meaningful role in the HIV/AIDS education campaign by creating enabling environment for educating people on the pandemic. He appealed to people go in for Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) to know their HIV/ AIDS Status.