Sampa (B/A), June 23, GNA- The Reverend James Kwaku Badu, President of the Mid-west conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church has appealed to Ghanaians to assist in fighting the spread of the HIV/AIDS. He noted that the pandemic had robbed some nations of manpower for accelerated development and the nation could not afford to allow its developmental process to be derailed through deaths caused by the HIV/AIDS.

Rev Badu was speaking at a public forum at Sampa, a border town in Jaman district of Brong Ahafo to round off a one-year educational programme in the region by the church to sensitise communities about the effects of the pandemic.

The programme covered 30 communities in six districts, 44 community educators and 30 peer groups, mostly the youth, were trained to continue the education on the pandemic.

Rev Badu expressed regret that the celebration of Valentine's Day and funerals had gradually degenerated into occasions for promiscuous behaviour of especially the youth and called for moderation.