60 per cent of deaths in Techiman are by AIDS

Techiman(B/A), Sept 6, GNA- About 60 per cent of all deaths recorded at the Techiman Holy Family Hospital from the beginning of the year are caused by AIDS and allied diseases. On the average, 30 per cent out of the total number of patients who visit the hospital every month are clinically diagnosed as suffering from the disease.

Dr Philip Narh, a medical officer at the hospital, disclosed this at the sixth anniversary celebration of Ndewura Jakpa (ed correct) Youth Association at Techiman at the weekend. Dr Narh said the number of people suffering from the disease in the area could be much higher because not all victims of the disease report to the hospital while the majority of those who report simply refused to undergo AIDS test.

"This attitude has made it extremely difficult to get actual confirmed cases of the disease in the Techiman district", he lamented. Dr Narh said the incidence of AIDS, teenage pregnancy and drug abuse at Techiman, a major commercial centre, is alarming and appealed to traditional authorities and religious bodies to assist in addressing the problem through education.

The Deputy Brong Ahafo regional minister, Alhaji Kwadwo Maama Adam advised youth associations to use their energy and exuberance to support the development of their communities. He said they could do this by assisting their district assemblies and traditional authorities to initiate and execute projects.

Alhaji Adam said the welfare of the youth is of great concern to the government hence its establishment of youth centres and the institution of other packages such as the youth in agriculture programme to address their educational and occupational needs.

He advised the youth to take advantage of these programmes to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to make them not only employable but also functional and productive. Alhaji Adam commended the association, which draws it membership from the Gonja community in Techiman, for their communal spirit and urged them to continue to live in peace with the indigenous people.

"In as much as you are free to practice your culture and identify with your clansmen, you must not engage in acts that will be sacrilegious to the culture and beliefs of your hosts" the deputy minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Techiman South told the association.

In a welcoming address, the secretary, Mr Wayo Salifu said in order to solve unemployment among members, the association has completed arrangements to train members in tye and dye and batik printing.