Health News of Saturday, 18 June 2011

Source: GNA

NGO intensifies HIV/AIDS campaign in Akim Oda

Akim Oda (E/R), June 18, GNA - The Universal United Youth Organisation (UUYO), an NGO has embarked on a campaign to help educate the youth in Akim Oda in the Eastern Region about the dangers of HIV and AIDS. Some of the programmes initiated by the organisation are drama on HIV and AIDS, the formation of HIV and AIDS Clubs, debate on HIV and AIDS, provision of flyers and brochures on HIV and AIDS and public durbars on the pandemic. Addressing a debate on HIV and AIDS for schools in the Nkwantanum Zone of the Municipality, Mr Eric Pinaman Asare, President of UUYO, said the biggest challenge in the campaign against the virus was how to influence Ghanaians, particularly the youth to change their attitude towards sex. He said the songs and jingles on HIV and AIDS were not meant for amusement, but rather designed to send a message to the target audience, to enable them protect themselves through acceptable sexual behaviours. Mr Pinaman Asare urged the people to be realistic with the HIV and AIDS pandemic and stop associating it with superstition. He said the dreadful disease which has no cure was a drawback to progress and development.