Senya-Beraku (C/R), May 28, GNA - The existence and further development of all social, economic institutions in the country, including the Universities and the age-old chieftaincy institution, faces collapse in view of the

threat by the deadly disease, HIV/AIDS, if a more drastic national approach was not adopted to combat its spread.

Traditional Councils and other well-organised groups must therefore, initiate measures to support what the government has been doing to stem the pandemic through the National AIDS Commission. Mr Frank Ekow Longdon, the Executive Director of the Ghana Renaissance Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) engaged in a series of Anti-AIDS campaigns in the Awutu-Effutu-Senya District of the Central Region gave the warning at a forum of chiefs and opinion leaders at Senya-Beraku.

Mr Longdon reiterated that the disease, which is currently claiming millions of lives the world over, does not respect anybody. He therefore, advised people in leadership positions to lead exemplary lives to help fight the disease.

"This is because most people in high public positions at times, erroneously perceive that they are above the law and even above deadly pandemics such as AIDS."

Mr Longdon asked the wives of chiefs and other distinguished public office holders to come together and form anti-HIV/AIDS sensitisation groups to help drum into the ears of the people, especially the youth against indiscriminate sexual practices.

The Executive Director told the participants that as traditional chiefs and stakeholder in nation building process, they have a major contribution to make towards the battle against the disease to ensure a healthier society and progress.