Kwabre District recorded 178 HIV/AIDS cases last year as against 106 in 2001, Madam Leticia Ayeh-Diabene, the District's Director of Health Services, has said.

Announcing this at the launch of Bronkrong/Afrancho AIDS Club at Afrancho in Ashanti, she said young ladies formed the majority of the cases.

Madam Ayeh-Diabene called on Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), traditional rulers, assembly members and unit committees to organise symposia and move from house-to-house to educate people on the prevention of the disease and offer support to those living with the disease.

Alhaji Ahmed Akwasi Yeboah, Kwabre District Chief Executive (DCE), expressed concern about the low attendance at the launch and hoped the message would be carried to those who could not make it.

He said apart from sexual intercourse, the HIV virus could be acquired through the use of un-sterilised instruments and called on all to remain vigilant against the re-use of such instruments.

Nana Asante Frimpong, Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwabre, said efforts by the government to provide basic amenities would come to nought if people do not live to enjoy the amenities as a result of AIDS.

Mr Isaac Kwame Alima, Kwabre District Planning Officer and a focal person on the CBO's, advised people infected with HIV/AIDS to have balanced diet and reduce their workload.

He said through the Ghana AIDS Commission, the district assembly had received funds to sustain people with AIDS and orphans and called on those who have the disease to report to the Commission.

Mr Joseph Boachie Danquah, chairman of the five-member committee of the club, said members would move to schools, churches and homes to educate people on the disease.