432 new AIDS cases recorded in Asante-Akim South

A total of 432 new cases of deadly HIV/AIDS infection had been recorded in the Asante-Akim South, this year. Mr. Ringo Sulley Narh, the acting District Director of Health Services, said the figure showed a prevalence rate of 0.3 per cent and described the situation as deeply troubling.

“Even more disturbing is the fact that many of those carrying the disease are pregnant women.” He was speaking at an HIV-AIDS education campaign held at Odubi by the health directorate. Mr. Narh urged pregnant women to regularly attend antenatal clinics to help prevent mother-to-child transmission of the dreaded disease. They should avoid relying solely on the services of the traditional birth attendants in order to provide protection for their unborn babies.

The acting Health Director expressed discomfort about the reluctance of the people to go for voluntary testing to enable them to know of their status, something he said was vital to the fight to rein in the spread of the disease. He announced the setting up of an HIV/AIDS centre at the district hospital and assured clients of confidentiality and professionalism. Mrs Olivia Graham, Ashanti Regional Coordinator, Technical Support Unit of Ghana AIDS Commission, said the Commission was focusing efforts on protecting babies from getting infected. She asked the people not to stigmatize people living with the disease but to support them to lead normal lives. Mr. Isaac Obeng, the District Focal Person, advised the people to be mindful of their sex lives.