NGOs/CBOs Commended for their HIV/AIDS Education

Sekondi, Sept 1, GNA - Mrs. Olivia Opoku-Adomah, Western Regional HIV/AIDS focal person, has expressed her appreciation to Non-Governmental Organisations and Community-based organisations (CBOs) for the seriousness with which they have been tackling the HIV/AIDS education in the region.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview on Monday she said so far no adverse report or findings has been reported to her outfit about financial malpractices among any of the groups. Mrs Opoku-Adomah said the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has so far disbursed 1.8 billion cedis to NGOs and CBOs operating in the region. The funds were allocated to the groups through the district assemblies in which they operate, while they have been sending monthly reports to the district focal person on their activities and bank balances. Mrs. Opoku-Adomah reminded NGOs and CBOs that the GAC would not hesitate to withdraw its financial support and recognition for any group that does not operate within the guidelines. She appealed to parents, religious bodies, civil society groups, clubs and associations to encourage their members to undertake the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Mrs Opoku-Adomah stressed that ignorance about the HIV/AIDS disease is not in the best interest of the country. "If you are negative you will live a more responsible life, while those who test positive, will re-organise themselves and serve as counsellors for their communities."