Zoggu (N/R), Dec. 2, GNA - About 46 persons were found to be HIV positive in the Savelugu/Nanton District of the Northern Region between 2008 and 2009.

Madam Margaret Nmini, District Director of Health Services, disclosed this at Zoggu during the observation of this year's World AIDS Day, which was on the theme: "Universal access and human rights."

It was organised by Tuma Kavi Development Association, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) and supported by the Christian Children Fund of Canada (CCFC), an international NGO.

Madam Nmini observed that despite the lower rate of 1.1 prevalence rate recorded in the region, this year, the level of infection is higher at the district level.

She said: "Most people do not come for voluntary testing making it difficult to tell precisely the rate of infection of HIV and AIDS." Madam Nmini said through voluntary counselling and testing mother to child transmission could be prevented.

The Country Director of CCFC, Madam Sanatu Nantonmah said the fund is working with the Ghana AIDS Commission to implement a multi-sectoral HIV and AIDS programmes in seven districts in the Region. She said the programme had achieved a lot of success by creating awareness about the disease and the need for people to go for voluntary testing.

Madam Nantonmah urged the people to desist from stigmatizing people infected with HIV and instead show them love and care.