Cultural, religious practices impede HIV/AIDS prevention

Yendi (N/R), March 26, (Kwode) GNA - Mr. Patrick Issahaku Zakari-Saa, Northern Regional Director of the Department of Women, on Saturday expressed concern that some cultural and religious practices impeded the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He said "Some people have misinterpreted some cultural and religious practices that accept polygamy as a licence to indulge in extra marital affairs, which could promote the spread of HIV/AIDS." Mr. Zakari-Saa was presenting a report on the implementation of HIV/AIDS programme in four selected districts of the region at a seminar at Yendi in the region.

The report, which covered the Tamale Metropolis, Bole, Zabzugu/Tatale and Yendi Districts, focused on gender-based approach to the promotion of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and prevention of stigmatisation and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs).

Mr. Zakari-Saa said the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs initiated the project as part of its efforts at promoting the physical, political and social well-being of women.

He said the forum was aimed at enhancing the awareness of the community members about gender-based dimensions of VCT, stigmatisation and discrimination against PLWHA towards the prevention of the disease. Mr. Zakari-Saa said notwithstanding the region's low HIV prevalence recorded over the years, the attitude and behaviour of some people had sent signals that complacency was dangerous in the fight against the disease.

Mr. Alhassan Issahaku Amadu, Senior Regional Population Officer of the National Population Council, said HIV/AIDS was a medico-social problem that needed a multiple approach to combat. He urged the people to opt for the VCT to know their HIV/AIDS status saying: "Your life is incomplete if you do not know your HIV status"