Regional News of Thursday, 30 December 2004

Source: GNA

Chiefs commended for involvement in HIV/AIDS campaign

Apam, Dec 30, GNA - Mr Eric Akorbeng, Gomoa District Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, has commended the Queen-Mothers Association and two paramount chiefs in the District for their role in the campaign against the spread of the disease.

He said the involvement of the traditional rulers in the educational campaign against the spread of the disease in the area must be commended.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Apam, Mr Akorbeng charged other opinion leaders such as Assembly and Unit Committee Members to assist in the fight against the disease, which had no known cure. He appealed to them to use social gatherings and celebrations to educate the people about the danger HIV/AIDS posed to the society. Mr Akorbeng who is also the Gomoa District Budget Officer suggested to traditional rulers and Unit Committees to pass by-laws urging promoters of concert parties and musical groups to use at least five minutes to talk about the disease during public performances.

He expressed regret that in spite of the campaign by the District Response Initiative, people have not changed their attitude towards sex and appealed to Non-Governmental and Community-Based Organisations to intensify their education to curb the spread of the disease.