HIV/AIDS patients appeal for supply of anti-retroviral drugs

Nkawkaw, Dec. 25, GNA - More than 80 people living with HIV/AIDS in the Kwahu South and West, Birim North and Asante Akyem Districts have appealed to the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to make anti-retroviral and other related drugs available to them to enhance their health status.

They also appealed for financial assistance to undertake economic ventures to improve their living standards.

The appeal came at an end-of-year party jointly organized for them by the HIV/AIDS Unit of the Holy Family Hospital, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and the Kwahu West District Assembly at Nkawkaw.

Mr Evans Osei, HIV/AIDS Coordinator of the Holy Family Hospital, said the Unit had registered 400 People Living With AIDS (PLWA) who had been receiving regular treatment counseling fortnightly.

He said ADRA was also sponsoring the basic education of 30 orphans who lost their parents through the disease, while the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) was also supporting them with food rations. Mr Osei said the Kwahu West District Assembly also supported the PLWA with eight million cedis towards their Christmas cerebrations. He advised them not to be disturbed with their predicament but to avoid indulging in indiscriminate sex to prevent the spread of the disease. Mr Osei appealed to the relatives of the PLWA to give them the needed assistance to live positive lives.