Nkoranza (B/A), July 30, GNA- Mr Kwame Ampofo-Twumasi, Nkoranza District Chief Executive (DCE), has called on Ghanaians not to shun the company of people living with HIV/AIDS but visit them regularly and show compassion for them to live longer.

The DCE was addressing members of Hope Association, a group of people proved to be living with HIV/AIDS at Nkoranza in Brong Ahafo on Wednesday to discuss their welfare.

All the 20 members were grouped together on the advice of the District Health Management Team (DHMT) at Nkoranza.

Mr Ampofo-Twumasi expressed concern about how some people treat HIV/AIDS victims and called on all to desist from scorning the vivtims since everyone was at risk of contracting the disease.

Mrs Rebecca Domoh, Matron of St Theresa's Hospital, said the Association was formed to encourage members to go out publicly to educate people on the causes and effects of the disease and support the national campaign against it.

She called on churches, benevolent agencies and individuals to offer the association financial assistance to enhance its activities. Mr Joe Amponsah, Secretary of the Association, said the association had adopted five orphans who had lost both parents through the pandemic. Mr Amponsah said the orphans aged between five and 18 years had also acquired HIV/AIDS.

The Reverend Father George Tang, Chaplain in-charge of the Hospital advised the public never to stigmatize people living with HIV/AIDS.