Madam Victoria Anaba Ayinpoka, a 42-year-old woman living with HIV/AIDS, on Monday, appealed to Ghanaians to work collectively to prevent the spread of the disease.

She made the call when she sensitised students from second cycle institutions in the Upper East Region on HIV/AIDS, at a forum organised by the Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA), in Bolgatanga.

According to Madam Ayinpoka she contracted the disease after her husband’s death when she was forced to marry another man from the family, who had HIV/AIDS.

She said four other wives of the man, died as a result of contracting the disease; because they did not go for an HIV/AIDS test, to know their status and take antiretroviral drugs.

According to Madam Ayinpoka, she was diagnosed HIV/AIDS positive after she got sick repeatedly.

“ I did not give up after going through HIV/AIDS counselling and testing. I have been taking the HIV\AIDS drugs since 2006 when I contracted the disease and am looking very strong and healthy. I have been going through my normal business without any problem”.

Madam Ayinpoka advised students to avoid pre-marital sex and concentrate on their studies, and asked Ghanaians to show compassion for people living with HIV/AIDS, and not to discriminate against them.

The President of NORPRA, Mr Bismark Ayorogo Adongo, commended Madam Ayinpoka for sensitising the students on the disease.