CBOs organise drama to sensitise communities

Kade (E/R), Aug. 8, GNA- Five community-based organisations (CBOs) in the Kwaebibirem District are using drama to sensitise the people on the HIV/AIDS.

The organisations are Kade Anchor Foundation, Adankrono Nyame Tree Growers, Boadua Hive Nyame Nkoah, Topreman Okopa group and Tweapeasi Onipa Hia Mmua Group.

The groups were made up of medical personnel, religious leaders mostly from the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, educationists, businessmen and opinion leaders.

The drama focused on how a lady through her indiscriminate sex activities with men contracted the disease from one of her partner's and was declared a victim until she died.

The drama also educated the people on the various ways by which the disease, can be acquired through the use of razor blades, injections and blood transfusion.

Mr Ahulu, the Kwaebibirem District Disease Control Officer said the Eastern Region ranks second in terms of the HIV/AIDS in the country and Akwatia is among the most affected area in the region. He said in the year 2002, 286 people were identified as having the disease. He said 111 were recorded from January to June at the St. Dominics Hospital, Akwatia. He said out that figure, 29 were men while 82 were women.

He, therefore, advised the people to be extra careful with their lifestyles to save them from contracting the disease. Mr Okyere Baffour, Pastor in-charge of the Kade SDA Church and chairman of the Kade group advised the people to be mindful of their lives adding that the human body has relation with their salvation, therefore, they should be careful with whatever they do with their bodies.

He advised them to lead exemplary lives, worthy of emulation. Pastor Baffour said when the people avoid the HIV/AIDS, it would save the country's economy, since funds used on victims could be used for improving the living standards of the people.