HIV Caregivers face isolation

Ho, Jan 30, GNA - Mr Livinus Acquah-Jackson Executive Director, New Seed International has hinted that Caregivers of persons suffering from the Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are being shunned.

He gave the hint at a workshop organized in Ho by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), for Directors of NGOs in HIV/AIDS and Paralegals.

New Seed International based at Sokode near Ho, provides care for persons with HIV/AIDS and takes custody of orphans whose parents have died from the disease.

Mr Acquah-Jackson said once people got to know that you were into HIV/AIDS work they would not want to be associated with you lest they be suspected of being HIV positive.

Recounting his experience, Mr Acquah-Jackson said anytime he entered a house, people would want to know whether there was somebody with the disease in that house.

He said as a result people were reluctant to admit him in their homes.

Mr Acquah-Jackson said the situation could undermine the delivery of care to those with the virus as they would be reluctant to own up to their status.

Mr Acquah-Jackson therefore called for the intensification of HIV/AIDS education which he observed had gone down considerably.

He said it would be dangerous for the country to lower the intensity of the campaign against the disease because of the country's reported low prevalence rate.

Mr Acquah-Jackson observed that seeds of HIV, which had been sown at the peak of the disease in the country, could be maturing and more people could also be contracting the virus.

He said the social lives of people providing care to HIV/AIDS victims were also at risk of breaking down.

GNA