Accra, July 29, GNA - Presidential candidates for this year's elections, have come under heavy criticism for sidelining HIV/AIDS issues in their campaigns.

The aspirants have been tasked to come out clearly on what they are bringing in to support the national strategy on the pandemic. "The presidential candidates cannot preside over sick people. Our women are dying of HIV/AIDS related diseases," Mrs Bernice Heloo, International President of the Society for Women and AIDS in Africa (SWAA) said at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday. The meeting on the theme, "Gender and HIV/AIDS Issues: A Must for the 2008 Elections" was to draw attention to the fact that HIV/AIDS was an election issue because it was linked to development. Mrs Heloo said donor funds for HIV/AIDS activities were drying up and there was the need for leadership to commit to addressing the pandemic.

She urged the electorate to demand from the aspirants a plan of action to provide care and treatment for infected persons, especially women who are at the front of the attack. Mrs Cecilia Senoo, President of the Ghana Chapter of SWAA, said Ghana had endorsed various treaties on HIV/AIDS including the Abuja Declaration of 2001 and the UN General Assembly Special Session of HIV/AIDS in 2001.

"Beyond the ratification of treaties by government, aspiring presidential candidates must commit to reducing HIV infection and ensuring that those infected and affected are leading quality lives." "We note the example of Uganda, where through high political leadership, the epidemic in that country has dropped drastically. Ghana can do the same."