Youth urged to know their HIV status before marriage

Twifo Ntafrewaso (C/R), Dec. 31, GNA- The Medical Officer in charge of the Twifo Oil Palm Plantation (TOPP) hospital, Dr Cyril Kwame Krah, on Saturday appealed to the youth in the country to endeavour to go for Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) to ascertain their HIV/AIDS status before marriage.

Dr Krah made the appeal when he addressed the old pupils association of TOPP Junior Secondary School at an annual get-together at Ntafrewaso near Praso.

He said knowing their HIV status would enable them plan their future properly, adding that the VCT would also help those who are negative to avoid acquiring the virus and those who are already infected could avoid re-infection.

Dr Krah warned them that there was still no known cure for AIDS, but stressed that those who were infected with the virus should report to the hospital to enable them benefit from anti- retroviral drugs which is available at health facilities.

He advised the members of the association to take their studies seriously and avoid promiscuous life style to enable them grow up to become responsible citizens and help in the development of the nation. Earlier the association went on a float through Praso and Heman townships with placards some of which read 93Aids is real abstain from premarital sex" and go for VCT test". In all 12 members were tested for HIV at the TOPP hospital to mark the occasion.