Bonsuaku (C/R) July 17 GNA-The District Chief Executive for Awutu-Effutu-Senya, Mr. Solomon Abban-Quaye has called on Ghanaians to abandon some unhealthy practices that promote the spread of the HIV/AIDS.

He appealed to all and sundry to have compassion on HIV/AIDS victims to help prolong their lives. Speaking at a forum organised by the District Assembly on Friday, Mr. Abban-Quaye said records from the Winneba Government Hospital indicated that 66 HIV-positive cases were recorded at the hospital in the 2002.

He said the number increased to 93 and 103 in 2003 and 2004 respectively, adding that the situation is alarming and called for a joint forces in combating its spread. "We have to disseminate HIV/AIDS pandemic information, encourage behavioural changes and avoid any negative tendencies that contribute to the spread of the pandemic".

Mr. Abban-Quaye urged the youth to be mindful of their sexual habitS and refrain from social vices including pre-marital sex, drug abuse and indiscipline.

He urged parents in the area to send their children to school and make sure that they are given the necessary materials and support that would enable them to stay in school. The DCE also urged parents to stop giving out their children to be sent to Yeji to do fishing because the fishing work at Yeji is too dangerous for such teenagers.