WHO to assist PLWAs in care and support

Obuasi, Oct. 31, GNA - The World Health Organisation (WHO) is developing a programme under which People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWAs) in Obuasi would be given care and support.

To this end, 20 community home-based caregivers have been trained to provide the needed care and support to the AIDS victims. Mr Edward Osei, Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Person on HIV/AIDS for Obuasi Municipality, announced this at an HIV/AIDS educational programme for more than 100 students of Obuasi-Tutuka Local Authority Junior Secondary School at the weekend. The programme was organised by the Tutuka Ladies Association (TLA), a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) helping to create HIV/AIDS awareness with support from the GAC under the third call of Ghana AIDS Response Fund (GARFUND).

Mr Osei said WHO was also coming out with seed money for income generating activities for PLWAs.

So far, soap making and pomade preparation are the two income-generating activities that have been selected for the programme. The Municipal Focal Person, who stressed on behavioural change, advised the students to avoid casual sex since sex activities were the major cause of the spread of the HIV/AIDS.

Miss Gifty Owusu-Afriyie, the Project Co-ordinator, noted that the programme was being organised for the students since they were effective vehicle for the awareness creation of the reality of the pandemic. She urged the student girls especially, to stay away from all sexual activities and instead keep to their books. "From now on do not hesitate to snob the men who are only interested in luring you to bed", Miss Owusu-Afriyie said. The Project Co-ordinator also advised them against playing with used blades and other sharp implements.

Mr F.Y. Amoabeng, Outgoing Headmaster of the Tutuka JSS, who presided, emphasised on abstinence since that was the best way for the youth to keep away from the disease.