GMA Annual National Health Week launched at Tarkwa

Tarkwa (W/R), July 16, GNA - Mr Owusu Adjei, Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, has said the government is doing everything possible to check the spread of HIV/AIDS in order to protect the country's workforce.

He was speaking at the launch of this year's Ghana Medical Association (GMA) Annual National Health Week in the Wassa West district at Tarkwa on Wednesday.

Mr Adjei who deputised for the sector Minister, Dr Kweku Afriyie, said measures the government has taken to stop HIV/AIDS from spreading included the creation of the Ghana AIDS Commission to spearhead the campaign against the spread of the disease.

He advised the public to adhere to the education on the prevention of the disease by the Commission and other stakeholders.

Dr Teddy Avotri, Wassa West District Director of Health, said the disease is a threat to the socio-economic development of the country because it is destroying able-bodied youth.

He said about 28 per cent of the people in the district are infected with the disease and urged the people to guard themselves against it. Dr K. Boakye-Boateng, Western Regional Chairman of the GMA, said Tarkwa was chosen for the launch of the week, because of its high rate of infection of the disease.

Osagyefo Kwamena Enimil VI, Omanhene of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, who presided, advised students to concentrate on their studies and avoid pre-marital sex.