Chiefs/Queenmothers attend AIDS workshop

Sekondi Sept. 17, GNA- Mrs Susan Osam, Reproductive Rights/Health Expert of the United Nations System Gender Programme, has called on Chiefs and Queenmothers to make efforts to curb the spread of the HIV/AIDS.

Mrs Osam was speaking at a one-day workshop on the pandemic for about 50 Chiefs and Queenmothers from the Shama-Ahanta East Metropolis and the Ahanta West District at Sekondi on Tuesday.

She said it must be recognised that gender issues contribute to vulnerability of HIV/AIDS infection.

She asked Chiefs and Queenmothers to reflect on social and cultural practices that constitute a hindrance to the fight against HIV/AIDS in their communities and come out with suggestions on how to improve on them.

Mrs Oliver Opoku-Adomah, Western Regional Focal Person for the Ghana AIDS Commission, said the HIV/AIDS, which has assumed serious global crisis has claimed 40 million lives world-wide with 70 to 80 percent from Africa, South of the Sahara where health structures are inadequate.

She said the pandemic posed a threat to vibrant economies. Mrs Opoku-Adomah, therefore, urged Chiefs and Queenmothers to give much attention and support to any intervention towards the fight and eradication of HIV/AIDS.

She advised traditional rulers to have a deeper understanding of the implications of the customary practices and factors including tattooing, dangerous love covenants practices and puberty rites that promote the spread of the disease.