Bibiani (W/R), April 1, GNA - Osabarima Tabi Anom II, Chief of Bamkame-Anamase in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District, noted that stigmatization and discrimination against People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAS), was a major cause of the spread of the disease in the country. He said such people should be encouraged to openly talk about their health status without fear of condemnation and urged Ghanaians to undertake voluntary counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS. Osabarima Anom II, who is also the Executive Director of Care International, Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), was speaking at HIV/AIDS workshop for chiefs, assembly members and other opinion leaders from the district, to find ways of preventing the spread of the disease, at Bibiani. It was organised by New Frontiers Farmers and Processors Programme, CIKOD Associates and Care International, Ghana, all NGOs, under the theme: "Care for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAS) and Stigmatization".

Osabarima Anom said that 262 people were infected with HIV/AIDS in 2008, 202 persons in 2007 and 157 in 2006 in the area, and expressed concern about the devastating effect of the disease on households without stable income, agriculture production and education. Mrs. Portia Bansa, CIKOD Programme Manager, urged traditional rulers to take centre stage in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the area. Participants were taken through community institutional and resource mapping.