Accra, August 14, GNA - Mr Francis Asamoah Tuffuor, Public Relation Officer of the St Paul's Catholic Youth Organisation, on Saturday said if care is not taken the country would lose the youth that should provide the manpower needs because they are highly vulnerable to the AIDS pandemic.

He said it was time for all those involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS to intensify their effort to ensure the lives of the youth.

Mr. Tuffuor who was speaking during an HIV/AIDS Walk organized by the Kpehe St Paul Catholic Youth Organization in Accra noted that there would be no meaningful development without the total contribution of the youth.

The walk, which was on the theme, " Rise up to face the challenges of the HIV/AIDS today" was to sensitise the public about the alarming rate of the disease with the youth as the focus.

He urged the youth to desist from illicit sex to avoid contracting the disease.

Mr, Tuffuor appealed to the people to show compassion for people living with AIDS and to help in providing them with their basic needs. Some of the inscriptions on their placards were, "abstain from premarital sex," "say no to sex," "be wise and live long," "remain faithful to your partner".