Wenchi (B/A), Feb 12, GNA- Dr Reuben Tettey, Executive Director of Alliance Against AIDS, a non-governmental organization (NGO) operating in Wenchi District in Brong Ahafo has appealed to Ghanaians to contribute to the achievement of the Ghana HIV/AIDS strategic framework. Dr Tettey, a veterinary doctor, was speaking at the inauguration of the NGO..

He explained that the objective of his organisation was to reduce HIV infections among the group under 15-49 years and other vulnerable groups especially the youth by 30 per cent by the year 2005. Dr Tettey said the NGO had provided two HIV/AIDS sentinel centres in the district, for surveillance and screening of antenatal mothers and blood screening by offering a reliable data for determining how fast the pandemic was spreading.

He provided a data from Ghana Health Service (GHS), Wenchi 2003 report, which showed that out of a total of 107 AIDS cases recorded last year in the district, the age group topped with 102 cases. The Executive Director said out of 1,570 blood samples, screened last year, 38 were positive for HIV, representing 2.4 per cent as compared to 2.5 in 2001 and 1.9 in 2002.

Dr Tettey said the NGO would also assist in building the organizational capability of other community based organizations involved in HIV/AIDS activities.

Madam Felicia Abrefa, Deputy Director of the NGO, said the organization had with support of partner groups undertaken activities in some communities in the district.

She said the NGO undertook monitoring visits to find out how the female condoms distributed to some communities were put to good use.