Abuakwa (Ash), Aug 6, GNA - The prevalent rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the country has increased from 3.4 per cent in 2003 to 3.6 per cent as at now.

Mr Opoku Fofie-Apraku, Atwima District Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, said what it means is that in spite of government's increased financial support and adequate resources to combat the disease it is still spreading.

He was launching an HIV/AIDS education programme with the theme: "HIV/AIDS Awareness Creation Among The Youth" at Abuakwa in the Atwima District.

It was organised by AMAA and Co, a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) at Abuakwa and was attended by parents, teachers and pupils from junior secondary schools.

Mr Fofie-Apraku said the increase in the prevalence rate was a shock considering that over 600 CBOs and NGOs had worked very hard to create awareness.

He said in 2003 and that the government had not relented in its efforts at halting the spread of the disease.

Mr Fofie-Apraku appealed to CBOs and NGOs to prepare special volunteers skilled in HIV/AIDS and knowledgeable in education, counselling, care and support to tackle the problem.

He asked people to go for voluntary blood tests so as to know their HIV/AIDS status.

Dr Imoro Azuma-Addo, Medical Superintendent at the Abuakwa Health Centre, said the disease was prevalent among the illiterates than the highly educated ones due to ignorance and apathy towards education programmes on the disease.