Akim Oda, Aug. 28, GNA - The Universal United Youth Organsiation (UUYO), a non-governmental organization, has organized a quiz competition at Akim Oda as part of a week-long campaign on HIV/AIDS prevention and abstinence, for the youth in the Birim Central municipality of the Eastern Region.

Speaking at the function, the President of UUYO, Mr. Eric Pinoman Asare, cautioned the youth to be circumspect in the use of blades, knives and other sharp instruments, since HIV/AIDS could also be contracted through cuts from such instruments, apart from sexual intercourse.

He advised the youth to desist from early sex and to concentrate on their businesses, since HIV/AIDS was real and had no known cure. Mr. Asare stated that the programme was to collate and provide information to stakeholders and partners on the organisation's work and impact in Ghana.

The National Organiser of UUYO, Mr. Edward Asiedu Acheampong, stated that the programme was aimed at combating the stigma of HIV/AIDS, and increasing the availability of treatment, care and support for those infected with the disease.

He said UUYO also aimed at tackling poverty and the disadvantaged in society, with disability, secure livelihood, HIV/AIDS and gender issues running through each programme area. "We also seek ways of promoting awareness and behavioural change among workers, volunteers and couples, and carefully identifying the possible impact of our work on the disease", he said. Mr. Acheampong said the secretariat of the organization was exploring avenues to secure local and external funding to enable it to respond to a wider range of support interventions needed by its partners.

"We are proactive in developing collaborative partnerships with other NGO's working in the same programme and geographical areas in order to enhance our collective impact", the national organizer stated.