Mpohor(W/R), Dec. 08, GNA - Mr Anthony E. Amoah, Western Regional Minister on Friday suggested that teachers, leaders of religious organizations, chiefs and opinion leaders in the communities should devote at least five minutes for education on HIV/Aids before the commencement of their daily activities.

He noted that this would in a way to reduce the spread of the disease among the youth.

Mr Amoah made the suggestion at the celebration of this year's World AIDS Day in the Western Region at Mpohor near Takoradi. It was jointly organised by the Western Regional Coordinating Council and Mpohor Wassa East District Assembly under the theme "Stop AIDS, Keep The Promise: The Time Is Now".

Mr Amoah said HIV/AIDS was a "major silent disaster" that needed concerted effort of stakeholders to eradicate it.

He said although the disease could not be cured, it could be avoided and therefore asked Ghanaians especially the youth to lead responsible lifestyles.

Mr Amoah noted that children could also become vulnerable to the HIV/AIDS pandemic when parents failed to provide them their basic needs. He said it was unfortunate that some parents had still not enrolled their children in school in spite of the introduction of the Capitation grant.

Mr Amoah explained that the grant was to enable more children have access to basic education and advised parents to enrol their children in schools without further delay.

He advised parents to ensure they provided their children with well-balanced diet to facilitate their growth. Mr John H. K. Ahiable, Member of the Western Regional Aids Committee and Western Regional Focal Person said in 2005, 2.3 million children were living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. He said in addition, 4.1 million children were infected with the virus and those who contracted the disease were mostly about 25 years and died 10 years later.

Mr Ahiable said the current infection rate in Ghana was 2.7 per cent as against 3.1 per cent in 2005. He said in spite of the reduction; many people had still not changed their negative attitudes about sex and other promiscuous lifestyles. Mr Ahiable noted that stigmatization was still a major threat facing people living with HIV/AIDS and called on the society to provide care, support and moral encouragement for those afflicted with the disease.