High rate of streetism blamed on HIV/AIDS

Ofoase-Kokoben (Ash), June 17, GNA - Thirty-two community volunteers, Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs) and some of their relatives drawn from 20 communities in four districts in the Ashanti Region have attended a day's training workshop on home-based care and counselling at Ofoase-Kokoben. The districts are Amansie West, Amansie East, Amansie Central and Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Academy for Education Development (AED) and USAID sponsored the workshop organised by the Obuasi Catholic Diocesan Community Collaborative Care and Support Project (COMCASUP). It was aimed at equipping the participants with information and skills to enable them provide basic home care and counselling to PLWHAs as well as orphans and vulnerable children.

Madam Leticia Diabene, the Amansie East District Director of Health Services, said the effects of HIV/AIDS on families and individuals were some of the causes of the high incidence of streetism and teenage pregnancies. Speaking on the topic "Effects of HIV/AIDS On The Individual, Families and Community", Madam Diabene said HIV/AIDS was retarding development of families and communities. She urged the communities to show love and compassion for those living with the disease.

Mr Thomas Frimpong, the Project Co-ordinator, said it was important for PLWHAs to be given adequate care and comfort.