Regional News of Wednesday, 30 July 2003

Source: GNA

Ghanaians advised to adopt modest sexual lifestyles

Ekumfi Ekrawfo (C/R), July 30, GNA - An HIV/AIDS consultant, Mrs. Baaba Essel-Okyne, has called on Ghanaians to adopt modest sexual lifestyles to make the huge financial investment in the fight against the spread of the disease worthwhile.

Mrs. Essel-Okyne expressed concern about the little impact the huge money pumped into the fight against the disease had made so far, judging from reports about the fast rate of its spread in most parts of the country.

Mrs. Essel-Okyne was addressing an HIV/AIDS rally at Ekumfi Ekrawfo in the Central Region, organized by Rural Mission, a community based organisation within the Assemblies of God Church with support form the GATFUND.

She cautioned Ghanaians against gambling with their lives saying what made the disease frightful was that the carriers of the virus could not be easily identified until a test was conducted on them and besides, it had no cure.

Mrs. Essel-Okyne advised women, whom she said were most vulnerable to the disease, to resist unprotected sex with men who were not their regular partners.

She cautioned against indulging in casual sex especially during funerals and festivals.

Mr. Mike Agyei Brobbey, Coordinator of the organisation advised the people to seek health care service at recognised health institutions and stop patronizing the activities of quack doctors.

He urged nurses and paramedics to take the necessary protection against HIV infection while at work.

Rural Mission had organized similar functions at Narkwa, Ebuakwa, Arkra and Dunkwa all in the Ekumfi Traditional area of the Mfantseman District.