Cape Coast, Dec.1, GNA - The Central Regional focal person on HIV/AIDS, Mrs Daphne Nyagorme, on Tuesday expressed delight at the turnout of residents in Cape Coast, to be voluntarily tested to enable them know their HIV/AIDS status.

Although she did not provide any comparative figures, she said the turnout this year, is more encouraging than that of last year, and that it is an indication that the people in the Region were gradually, understanding the need to know their HIV AIDS status.

Mrs Nyagorme was speaking in an interview with the GNA, during a voluntary testing and counselling exercise mounted by the Regional AIDS committee, to mark world AIDS day celebration in the Region, at Cape Coast. She re-assured the public about confidentiality regarding one's HIV/AIDS status, and stressed the committee's determination to curb the spread of the disease in the Region, saying, those found to be infected would be given the requisite counselling and medication. Mr. Akilu Mohammed Salisu, a member of the committee, echoed the need for people to have compassion on those living with the disease, and for people to check their sexual behaviour, because AIDS is mainly acquired through sex.

A sketch was performed to depict the effects of the disease as well as the need to refrain from discriminating against those living with it.