Nkwabeng (B/A), Sept. 29, GNA - Saint Theresa's Catholic Hospital at Nkoranza in Brong Ahafo recorded 214 HIV/AIDS cases through blood screening and laboratory tests conducted on patients between January 2003 and June this year.
Mr Solomon Obeng-Danquah, HIV/AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Person announced this at the launch of an educational campaign programme of Bomdwene HIV/AIDS Activists Team, a community based organisation at Nkwabeng in the district.
He expressed grave concern about the increasing rate of spread of the pandemic in the district and appealed to the people to adhere to the education on the causes and effects and guard against contracting it. Mr Obeng-Danquah stressed that every individual was at risk of getting infected and advised the people against stigmatizing people living with the pandemic.
"We should rather show concern and compassion to make them feel happy so they could live longer", he said.
Mr Kwame Amporfo-Twumasi, District Chief Executive urged community-based organisations to render voluntary services and never to take their activities as running businesses for profits.
"You should remember that you will render accounts for all funds released to you by Ghana AIDS Commission", he cautioned.
Mr Amporfo-Twumasi called on religious leaders, traditional authorities, Assembly Members, teachers and opinion leaders to assist in the campaign against the spread of the pandemic.
He urged community-based organizations to organize the people to raise funds to support HIV/AIDS victims as well as orphans of victims. The DCE advised parents to provide every one of their children with a toothbrush and to avoid using the same blade to shave in order to prevent them from getting infected.
He appealed to the people to register with the health insurance scheme to enable them to acquire security for themselves with regard to their health.
In a welcoming address, Mr Paul Appau, Chairman of the Bomdwene CBO, commended the Ghana AIDS Commission for providing the the 10-member organization with some funds for its educational campaigns against the spread of the pandemic.
Nana Kyere Kuffour, Santahene and Chief of Nkwabeng, who presided, advised the youth against pre-marital sex and urged married couples to remain faithful to their partners.
