Kumasi, April 11, GNA - Family Health International (FHI) together with the Ghana Network of Person Living with HIV/AIDS (NAP+ Ghana) have begun free condom and lubricant distribution in the Kumasi Metropolis and six other districts in the Ashanti region as part of efforts to help to check the spread of the deadly disease. They include Asante-Mampong and Obuasi Municipalities, Sekyere East, Afigya Kwabre, Adansi North and Kwabre East districts. Mr Charles Kwadwo Oppong, Programme Manager of NAP+, said this was being done on pilot basis and depending on its success would be extended to the remaining districts in the region.

Speaking at the formal launch of the programme in Kumasi on Monday, he said, they had additionally trained what he termed 93support group leaders" in all the districts to reach out to people living with the HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and encourage them to resort to condom use. "AIDS ALLY, an NGO, with proven experience in HIV testing and counseling, condom and lubricant distribution, has pledged its support."

Mrs Akua Anima Ampofo, Ashanti Regional Program Officer of FHI, underlined the need for increased condom use and responsible sexual conduct.

This was important to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).