Breman Asikuma (C/R), March 28, GNA - The Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District Council of Churches in collaboration with the Betty Rushford of the Haven of Hope Ministry in the United States of America (USA) has organised a one-week HIV/AIDS outreach under the theme, "Meeting the Challenging Spiritual and Physical needs of the People". Topics treated during the programme included the spread of the disease, its impact on the economy and how to combat it. One Thousand, five hundred people also received free medical treatment while 1,200 others with sight problems were given spectacles free of charge.

The beneficiaries included the aged and school pupils and students. Ms Betty Rushford, leader of the team from USA, called on the Clergy, Preachers, Evangelists and Church Elders to use the pulpit to disseminate information on the disease and to get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS since they interact daily with the people. She stressed the need to provide the youth who are the future leaders with adequate information and support to fight against the disease and said that HIV/AIDS had the potential of wiping out the entire generation if people did not change their behaviour. Ms Rushford advised the youth to be assertive and to resist pre-marital sex and to come out with suggestions to curb the menace. The Reverend Patrick Nyampong, District Secretary of the Christian, commended the team from the USA for their commitment towards the programme and the free medical treatment for the community. He appealed to the people to join the fight halt the spread of the diseases.

Rev. Nyampong called on them to patronise the National Health Insurance Scheme to enable them to get affordable medical care. 27 March 06