Akim Oda (E/R), Nov. 10, GNA - Mr Gilbert Kofi Germain, Executive Director of Young and Lonely Foundation (YLF), has advised the youth not to shy away from seeking early treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

He said seeking prompt treatment for STIs could lead them to counselling by health professionals on how to conduct themselves to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS. Mr Germain gave the advice at a sensitisation and counselling seminar for more than 3,500 students and school drop outs in five districts of the Eastern and Central Regions at Akim Oda. It was organised by YLF in collaboration with St Germain schools in the Central Region.

The beneficiary districts were Birim Central Municipality, Birim South District and Akyemmansa District in the Eastern Region and Agona East and Agona West in the Central Region. He said the threat the HIV/AIDS pandemic posed to Ghana's socio-economic development was so great that stakeholders would have to take the fight against it as a national crusade. He said although a lot of funds had been channelled to the campaign against the pandemic, the desired behavioural change, is yet to be realised. Mr Germain advised students to shun promiscuous lifestyles and rather stick to their books to ensure a brighter future.