Adaklu Kodzobi (V/R), Feb. 22, GNA- Togbe Dzegblade IV, chief of Adaklu Kodzobi in the Adaklu Anyigbe District of the Volta Region, condemned the distribution of condoms to the youth, especially students at HIV/AIDS forums and workshops.

He said even though organizers of such programmes claimed the distribution of condoms were to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, the initiative was rather encouraging the youth to indulge in pre-marital sex. Togbe Dzegblade was speaking at the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, organized by GOSANET Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), at Adaklu Kodzobi on Thursday. The NGO is undertaking a programme to increase awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support for People Living With Aids, the theme "Prevention is Power," in Africa. Togbe Dzegblade asked the youth to abstain from pre-marital sex and sticking to one partner "as they are the only escape route from the disease."

Mr. Samuel Y. Atidzah, Executive Director of the NGO, said the group was committed to providing opportunities for people facing social and economic deprivation to eradicate poverty and help in HIV/AIDS prevention. He asked Ghanaians to change their attitude towards people with the disease and encouraged them to declare their status to enable them to access care and support. Mr. Atidzah noted that currently knowledge of HIV/AIDS was widespread but attitude towards sex has not changed. He said the Foundation was focusing gradually towards programmes and activities that help children prevent thems3elves from HIV/AIDS. Madam Mabel Klutse, HIV/AIDS Focal Person at the Ho Municipal Hospital, said those who professed to have a cure for the disease were only out to cause mischief and appealed to people with the disease to go to hospital for medical care.