Dr Richard Anane, Minister of Health, on Friday told Parliament that HIV and AIDS are spreading at a "frightening pace", especially among the youth.

He said recent scientific data gathered from students of some senior secondary schools and universities indicate a prevalence rate of 12 to 17 per cent.

The minister, who was moving for the approval of his ministry's budgetary allocation of 422.4 billion cedis, said 1.2 billion cedis has been earmarked to fight the disease and other sexually transmitted diseases.

He announced that a national programme to control Buruli ulcer in areas classified as endemic and potentially endemic would be implemented this year.

"Another focus area is the guinea worm menace. The ministry, in collaboration with other sectors and allied agencies, intends to provide potable water in endemic areas to eradicate the worm." Dr Anane said 45 health centres throughout the country would be rehabilitated at a cost of 5.8 billion cedis.

"Twelve health centres, including Dodowa (Greater Accra), Begoro (Eastern Region), Nkwanta (Volta Region) and Bimbilla (Northern), would be elevated to District Hospital status this year." He promised to work towards the recruitment and retention of staff through well packaged incentive programmes.

Mr Sallas Mensah, Minority spokesman on Health, criticised the government for allocating a "meagre 12 billion cedis" as exemption package to care for the aged, paupers and other vulnerable groups.

"He said the government, with its concept of positive change, should have given more since the NDC gave out 10 billion cedis last year.

Alhaji Amadu Seidu, NDC-Yapei/Kusawgu, asked experienced doctors in management positions in the ministry to return to the ward.

He requested that non-medical management personnel be made to take over the administration of the ministry.

Earlier, Nana Akufo Addo, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, sought leave of the house to withdraw the High Court (civil procedure) rules, 2001(C.I.33).

The instrument, which was due to come into force on March 28, are new rules meant to govern procedure in the high court.

Nana Akufo Addo said he was withdrawing it for reappraisal since it has to stand the test of time.