Chief blame youth for spread of HIV/AIDS

Kwanwoma (Ash), Dec 3, GNA - Some chiefs at Kwanwoma in the Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma District have attributed the fast spread of the HIV/AIDS to the intransigence of the youth.

They said the youth have refused to pay heed to the extensive education about the pandemic.

The result, they said, is the alarming rate at which the pandemic is spreading throughout the country.

The chiefs made this at a forum organised by the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) as part of activities to mark World AIDS Day at Kwanwoma on Monday.

They said not until the youth and other people begin to heed the warning and refrain from indiscriminate and early sex, the result will be disastrous.

Speaking on the topic "Reducing stigmatisation and discrimination against people with AIDS", Miss Akua Anima Ansu of CEDEP, warned the young boys and girls not to allow themselves to be deceived into thinking that they will grow up to be abnormal if they do not have sex in their teens.

Mr Korsi Ashong, Programme Manager of Community Development Initiative of CEDEP, called on traditional rulers, teachers and community members to join hands to fight stigmatisation and the spread of the disease.