Tema, Nov.08, GNA -- The Tema branch of the Barclays Bank on Saturday organised a float as part of its awareness campaign programme on HIV/AIDS that constitutes its social responsibility to the immediate environs.

With traders at the Tema central market area as its target group, the programme aimed at helping reduce the prevalence rate of the disease in the area.

Reading materials as well as condoms were distributed to the public during the float.

Mr Yaw Agyei Agyepong, organiser of the programme expressed concern about the rate at which the disease is spreading, even though there has been much education on it.

He therefore, advised couples, especially, to be faithful, in order not to contract the disease.

A Principal Social Officer, Mr Peter Tweneboah-Kodua, before the float talked to the people on the prevention, control and mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. He observed that awareness level of the disease appeared to be high, yet sexual behaviours among young people, especially left much to be desired and advised on abstinence as the best way of preventing the disease. He cautioned that those who cannot abstain should rather resort to the use of the condom.

Mr. Tweneboa-Koduah advised against stigmatisation and stressed the need for Ghanaians to show compassion with people living with the disease as a way of helping them feel better. He said, it is estimated that there are about 500,000 people in Ghana living with the disease and described this as alarming.