CBOs, NGOs cautioned against misapplication of GARFund

Saltpond (C/R), Oct. 31, GNA - The Mfantseman District Assembly shall handover leaders of any Community Based Organisation (CBOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) who misapply funds meant for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign for prosecution.

Mr Alfred T.A. Ahumah, District Co-ordinating Director, announced this at a meeting organised by the District AIDS Committee for members of some religious groups in the district at Saltpond.

Mr Ahumah said the AIDS pandemic was a havoc for which world leaders are exploring avenues to raise funds to fight the spread of the disease.

He cautioned that anyone who would like to take advantage of the situation to enrich him or herself would not be spared when caught. Seven CBOs and three NGOs have received support from the Ghana AIDS Response Fund (GARFund) to combat the spread of the disease in the district.

Mr Ahumah urged the committee to initiate programmes to intensify its educational campaign about the disease during festival celebrations.

Mr Jonathan Benefo, District AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Person, appealed to the Ghana AIDS Commission and Ministry of Health to release machines acquired for HIV testing to the health institutions to make the exercise accessible and at a cheaper cost.

Miss Christine Antor, District AIDS Co-ordinator and a Principal Nursing Officer, who took the participants through the mode of infection of HIV, prevention, management, and treatment of people living with the disease, cautioned against blood covenant to strengthen love relationship.

Miss Antor also cautioned against exchanging or borrowing earrings. Nana Baah VII, Nimfahene of Nkusukum Traditional Area and Chairman of the District AIDS Committee, urged the youth to abstain from pre-marital sex while those married should be faithful to their partners.