Regional News of Monday, 9 May 2005

Source: GNA

Dormaa GNAT establishes HIV Counselling Units

Dormaa-Ahenkro (B/A), May 9 GNA - The Dormaa Ahenkro office of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) is to set up HIV Counselling Units for its members.

The Counselling Units, which are to be opened at Wamfie, Nkrankwanta and Bebianeha would serve as teachers' one-stop-shop for literature and counselling on the deadly HIV/AIDS. The District GNAT Secretary Mr. Daniel Asante said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Dormaa-Ahenkro. Mr Asante said committees would be set up at the units to provide adequate information on the various stages of the disease, as well as preventive measures and care for People Living With HIV/AIDS. He explained that teachers constituted the bulk of Ghana's workforce and should therefore not be allowed to fall prey to HIV/AIDS and throw productivity out of gear.

Mr Asante agreed with abstention and faithfulness to partners but described condom use as the most ideal for teachers since they formed part of the adult population.

He however advised teachers to stress on abstinence when educating their students and pupils on the disease.