Bawku (U/E), Feb. 14, GNA - An HIV/AIDS campaign float has been held through some major streets in the Bawku township to draw the attention of the youth to abstain from casual sex.

The float, which took several hours, was witnessed by a large crowd as well as religious and youth groups, security services and representatives from the health and education services.

Accompanied by a brass band, the float made caught the attention of the whole township bringing it to a standstill as other people from all walks of life joined the procession making it to have the desired positive impact on the society.

On the theme 93HIV/AIDS: the Role of the Youth" it was organised by the Bawku Abstinence Club, a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) which has sub-branches in all first and second cycle institutions in the municipality.

Earlier in an address, the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Abdul-Rahman Gumah, said it was only through collaborative efforts by all concerned that the dangers of HIV/AIDS could be best addressed. He said as a collective body, the society was in a better position to fight the disease and eradicate it, adding that it should not be left in the hands of only NGOs and CBOs.

He noted that the prevalence rate of 4.6 per cent in the municipality gives cause to worry and called for more responsible sexual behaviours among the youth.

The MCE advised the youth to act with caution when in the company of their partners and advised them to rather use their energies and time to study.

He said devoting their time to study would enhance their skills and knowledge in their chosen careers to enable them reduce poverty and also help in the country's human resource base.

The Municipal Education Director, Madam Flore nce Bobi, said it was only by responsible lifestyles that would guarantee their safety from the disease.

She urged the youth to abstain form experimenting with casual sex till they were adults and prepared to be married and stay faithfully to their partners.

The Bawku Naba, Abugrago Asigri Azoka II, urged the youth to re-examine their behaviours to discourage the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The Coordinator of Abstinence Club, Mr. Majeed Alhassan, called on the government and NGOs to act swiftly and respond to appeals towards reducing HIV/AIDS. He said delays to such laudable initiatives were a disincentive and a threat to the fight against the disease. 14 Feb 07