Intensify the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS - NGO

Takoradi, May 17, GNA - Governments, individuals and organisations engaged in the fight against the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic have been asked not to relent in their efforts to educate the public on the dangers of the disease to society.

Traditional authorities and leaders of the various religious groups, by virtue of their influence on their people, need not to be reminded of the stake they have in this to check the spread of the disease.

These were contained in a press release issued by 'Friends of the Nation', a non-governmental organisation to commemorate the 21st International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day, which fell on Sunday, May 16, and signed by Mr. Obed Ebo Asamoah, regional programme officer. The theme for the day, "Turning Remembrance into Action", is expected to remind the people of the devastating effects of the pandemic, which had claimed the lives of more than 28 million people worldwide.

Some 42 million people are said to be living with the disease worldwide.

The release said the HIV/AIDS had already had a heavy toll on many countries, especially countries in Africa and advised the people to avoid promiscuous lives and also learn to protect themselves against contracting the disease.

It called for the incorporation of HIV/AIDS topics into all agenda at public functions such as Church services, memorial and thanksgiving services, community durbars and funerals as part of the efforts to fight the spread of the disease.

The release also reminded the public to increase their knowledge about the disease to enhance behavioural change and support and care for people living with HIV/AIDS. 17 May 04