Forum on Anti HIV/AIDS organised by CBO

Achiansah (E/R), Dec 21, GNA - Ghanaians have been urged to show compassion instead of the stigmatisation and discrimination against people living the HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

Mr. Mensah George Anum, Executive Director of the Loyalty Youth Development Foundation, made the call at a forum organised by the Foundation on the stigmatisation and discrimination against PLWHAs at Achiansah, in the Suhum Kraboa Coaltar district on Saturday. Chiefs, opinion leaders, market women, teachers and school pupils attended the forum on the theme "Reducing Stigmatisation and Discrimination of People living with HIV/AIDS".

He noted that such negative attitude violated the human rights of PLWHAs and discouraged people from going for voluntary testing and counselling on HIV/AIDS.

Mr Anum commended religious leaders who have come together to encourage people to have compassion and support PLWHAs.

He appealed to religious and community leaders to set up support groups to help PLWHAs in their communities, churches and mosques. The Executive Director advised people to refrain from lifestyles, which exposed them to the disease.

The Foundation also organised an anti HIV/AIDs quiz competition for 10 basic schools in the district.

The Anum Apapam Presbyterian JSS was first with Anum Apapam Islamic JSS second and Sowetey Purity JSS third. They were presented with a radio cassette reorder each.