Nsuaem-Kyakyawera (C/R), March 18, GNA - Mr Isaac Edumadze the Central Regional Minister, has called on religious bodies and the society in general to complement the government's effort in enhancing the survival and development of Ghanaian children. He said the abuse and neglect of children in recent times had become an issue of concern to the nation.

Mr Edumadze said this at the President's end of year party for basic school children in the region at Nsuaem Kyakyawera Assin South District.

The Regional Minister touched on the effect HIV/AIDS has on the survival and development of children and said it is estimated that about 30 to 40 per cent of babies born to infected mothers would also become infected and die within two years.

Mr Edumadze said to help revert this trend there is the need to incorporate effective family education in school curricular as well as evolve an out of school programme to provide information about the disease to the youth to enable them to protect themselves. He said in addition to these, there should be a stronger demonstration of political commitment by leaders at the national, regional and district levels.

Mr Divine Opare, the Regional Coordinator of the National Commission on Children, called for the formulation of child friendly policies, backed with requisite financial support for their effective implementation.

Nana Akumanin Mensah, yhe Chief of Kyakyawera, called on the children to take their studies seriously.

He appealed to parents to ensure that their children keep away from social functions like funerals especially wake keepings. The school children, numbering about 500, were later given food, soft drinks and treated to some music.