Adaklu Kodzobi (V/R), Feb. 29, GNA - A traditional ruler has condemned the distribution of condoms to the youth especially students at HIV/AIDS forums and workshops.

He said though organizers of such programmes claimed the condoms were to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, they were rather encouraging the youth to indulge in pre-marital sex.

Togbe Dzegblade IV, chief of Adaklu Kodzobi in the Adaklu Anyigbe District, said this at the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) organized by GOSANET Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at Adaklu Kodzobi on Thursday. The NBHAAD is a national mobilization effort designed by the foundation to increase awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support for People Living With Aids (PLWA) among Black Americans and their brothers in Africa.

It was on the theme "Prevention is Power". Togbe Dzegblade said emphasis should rather be laid on abstinence from pre-marital sex and sticking to one partner "as they are the only escape route from the disease" Mr. Samuel Y. Atidzah, Executive Director of GOSANET Foundation, said the vision of the organization was to provide opportunities for people facing social and economic deprivation, eradicate poverty and help in HIV/AIDS prevention.

He said knowledge of HIV/AIDS was widespread but attitude towards sex had not changed and that his Foundation was focusing gradually on programmes and activities that would keep children informed and equipped with skills that would protect them from contracting the disease. Madam Mabel Klutse, HIV/AIDS Focal Person at the Ho Municipal Hospital, said those who professed to have a cure for the virus were only out to cause mischief and appealed to PLWA to go to the hospitals to access proper medical care and advice.