Regional News of Wednesday, 17 November 2004

Source: GNA

AIDS abstinence clubs formed in Obuasi

Obuasi, Nov 17, GNA- The Ghana Education Service, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service are setting up HIV/AIDS abstinence clubs in junior secondary schools (JSS) in Obuasi, as part of a strategy to control the spread of the pandemic.

Five of the clubs have been formed at Kwabrafoso; Salvation Army; Anglican, Holy Child and Kwabena Fori JSS.

Dr S. Osei-Somuah, Obuasi Municipal Director of Health Services, who threw light on the programme, expressed concern about the increasing rate of teenage pregnancy in the Municipality.

He advised students to abstain from pre-marital sex to prevent HIV/AIDS infection, explaining that although the urge for sex is natural it will be prudent for them to do so as married couples. "The feelings are natural and so it will definitely come but it pays to wait."

Mr Emmanuel Mensah, the Municipal School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator, said the clubs would help maintain the virginity of members.