Gomoa Ankamu (C/R) May 10, GNA- Mr. Eric Akobeng, the Gomoa District Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, on Monday called on individuals and organisations to collaborate efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the area.

He said last year, the Apam Catholic Hospital recorded 151 HIV cases, while 60 died of the disease.

Mr. Akobeng was speaking at a day's seminar on how to support People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs), organised by the New Life Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), for religious leaders from the district at Gomoa Ankamu.

He expressed regret that the active group of the labour force was most affected, adding that if care was not taken, the situation would negatively affect the economic development of the country. Mr. Akobeng commended the NGO for intensifying efforts at preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Mr. Osei Kwakye, Executive Director of the Foundation, said it was committed to supporting PLWAs and appealed to the people to support the NGO.

Reverend Augustine Essel, the Chaplain of the Apam Catholic Mission Hospital, called on all Churches to show compassion for people with HIV/AIDS.