The Ashanti AIDS Initiative Network (ASAN), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has expressed concern about the alarming rate at which the HIV/AIDS is fast spreading in the Ashanti region.

Samuel Oracca-Tetteh, the General Secretary of ASAN, expressed the concern at a day's workshop on HIV/AIDS organised by Universal Advo-Counselling International (UNACIT), an HIV/AIDS NGO within International Jesus Family Ministries at Kubease-Abuakwa near Kumasi on Sunday.

Under the theme, "Bread breaking with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) - Community commitment", the workshop was aimed at reducing HIV/AIDS in the communities.

Oracca-Tetteh said from January to September last year, statistics show that more than 15,629 PLWHA were recorded in the Ashanti Region with Kumasi metropolis, Adansi West and Atwima districts as the most affected.

Reverend Samuel Asiamah, Director of Universal Diet Clinic and founder of the International Jesus Family Ministries, said religious bodies have a major responsibility to intensify anti-HIV/AIDS campaign to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Rev Asiamah, who is also the Director of UNACIT, said the organisation aims at researching into herbal and natural therapeutic treatment, offer counselling on dietary and give support and care to PLWHA and orphans of AIDS patients.

Miss Diana Babari and Charles Aikins, two HIV/AIDS patients, asked the public not to shun PLWHA's but rather have love, affection and understanding for them. Rev Asiamah later organised a reception for the participants and other HIV/AIDS patients who attended the workshop.