Lets' put more urgency into the fight to check spread HIV-AIDS

Adankragya (Ash), Dec 9, GNA - Dr. Thomas Agyarko-Poku, Ashanti Regional HIV-AIDS Coordinator, has counselled against complacency and called for more urgency into efforts at checking the spread of the pandemic in the country.

The downward trend of the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in the past year from 1.9 per cent to 1.7 per cent should inspire all to work hard to reduce this further and at the same time ensure that those already infected receive treatment to keep deaths down.

He was speaking at this year's World AIDS Day celebration at Adankragya in the Asante-Bekwai Municipality on Tuesday under the theme: "Human Rights and Universal Access".

Dr. Agyarko-Poku said there was the need to address social and structural factors that fuel the spread including gender inequality, stigma and discrimination.

Young people must also be empowered to make healthy and informed decisions, he said, adding, "We must build on our strengths and move forward in concert with our partners."

The Regional Coordinator identified non-proven claims of cure by some pastors and traditional healers as one of the main challenges campaigners are facing.

Mr. Kofi Opoku-Manu, the Regional Minister, said prevention and personal choices are the keys to end the spread of the infection.

There must also be full respect of the human rights of those living with the disease.

He said nobody should either be stigmatized or suffer discrimination on the basis of his or her HIV status.

Mr. Opoku-Manu gave the assurance that the government would through the Ghana AIDS Commission ensure leadership and accountability to fight the debilitating disease.

GNA