Tema, Dec. 04, GNA- Sheikh I.C Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister on Tuesday called on parents to openly discuss issues concerning HIV/AIDS with their children to enable them to know the realities about the pandemic.

He said knowledge about the epidemic would encourage the youth to live responsible lives as the prevalent rate was highest among the economically active between, the ages 20 and 40. The Regional Minister made the call in an address at a durbar held in Tema to mark the Region's celebration of the World AIDS Day under the theme "Leadership, Reducing Stigmatization and Discrimination". He said economic and social factors accounted for the high incidence of the HIV infection, compelling the youth to indulge in social vices like sexual promiscuity as a means of sustenance. Sheikh Quaye said, "Many young boys and girls are compelled by poverty to work on the streets and consequently become susceptible to sexual promiscuity to support their livelihood leading to HIV infection". He appealed to the media to help in the shaping of the lives of the youth by writing against the use of profanity in songs and drama shown on television and on air.

Stating recent statistics released by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) in the region, the Minister said the estimated prevalence rate of 3.4 percent was so alarming and that efforts should be made to reduce it to the barest minimum.

Mr David Quaye Annang, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive gave the current HIV prevalence rate in the Metropolis as 3.6 percent compared to 2.2 percent in 2005.

He entreated all leaders to join hands in addressing the pandemic, especially fighting against stigmatization and discrimination. An exhibition of pictures on the disease was held at the durbar in addition to Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT).