Breman Asikuma (C/R), March 21, GNA - The Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District Director of Ghana Health Service, Dr Luiz Amoussou-Gohungo, has observed that abstinence is a more effective way by the unmarried to avoid contracting Syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Amoussou-Gohungo said this in an address at a day's workshop organised by his outfit for 60 participants made up heads of department and some health staff in the district. It was aimed at creating awareness of the Syphilis disease that is fast spreading in the area and how the people could be educated to reverse the situation.

He advised against excessive alcohol intake and drug abuse, saying they could influence people to indulge in immorality that often resulted in contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Amoussou-Gohungo said Central Region has the highest Syphilis prevalence record rate 14.7 percent while the Upper East Region is the lowest in the country with a record of 1.6 percent. According to him, the district leads in syphilis disease recorded in the Central Region.

He said the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa district prevalence recorded rate, increased by 30 percent in 2007, an indication that the situation needed a holistic approach to ensure its reduction. According to him, many people infected by the disease were unaware until after sometime when it has developed. Dr Amoussou-Gohungo said syphilis is one of the major contributing factors to maternal mortality and entreated the participants to educate their community members to help reduce its spread. He asked the people to always see qualified health providers instead visiting quack doctors. 21 March 08