Gomoa-Dawurampong (C/R), Aug.7, GNA - Mrs. Rose Newman, National Vice-Chairperson of the Association of Rural and Community Banks (ARCB), has cautioned customers, especially loan beneficiaries of various banks against the dangers posed by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

This is because if they contract the disease it would be difficult for them to honour their debt obligations, thus setting the clock of progress of the banks back.

Mrs. Newman was addressing shareholders of the Akyempim Rural Bank to round off the activities marking the 21st anniversary of the bank at Gomoa-Dawuampong at the weekend.

She observed that the success of the various interventions being channeled through the rural and community banks by the Government and donor organizations would depend on the good health and handwork of target groups.

Beneficiaries of bank loans should therefore be extra mindful of their sexual practices to ensure that they did not fall prey to the dreaded HIV/AIDS so that they could work hard to settle their debts to the banks.

Mrs. Newman suggested to the banks to initiate programmes to sensitize their customers, particularly members of corporate entities, which had secured loans from the banks periodically. She advised shareholders of the Akyempim Rural bank to to stick to their marriage partners to protect themselves against the disease. Mrs. Newman reminded them that, Scientists worldwide had not been able to secure any proven cure for the disease. "It behoves on the citizenry, especially the sexually-active ones to take precautionary measures to safeguard their health." Aug. 07 05