AIDS victims form association

Nkoranza (B/A), Jan. 24, GNA - The Nkoranza District Assembly has taken measures to provide care and attention for people living with HIV/AIDS in the district.

Mr. Solomon Obeng-Danquah, District AIDS Focal Person told Ghana News Agency at Nkoranza that the Assembly had identified about 40 of such persons.

He said the victims themselves publicly announced their predicament and had formed an association called Hope Association of Nkoranza, under the leadership of Mr. Joe Amponsah, a health worker at St Theresa's Hospital.

Members meet at the end of every month to share ideas and are counselled by doctors and religious leaders, while the District Assembly provides them with food, Mr. Obeng-Danquah said.

He said the Assembly provided the Association with food items, including rice, cooking oil and frozen chicken, all valued at about three million cedis during the last Christmas festivities.

The Focal Person commended members for making their health status public and advised all other affected persons to register with the Association.

Mr. Obeng-Danquah appealed to the general public to desist from stigmatising victims, saying, "they rather need our love and comfort".