Rama Foundation insures 100 PLWHA in Upper West

Wa, Sept. 15, GNA - The Rama Foundation, a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has insured 100 persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Upper West Region under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) at a cost of GH¢1,000. It has also provided assorted food items including maize, beans, cooking oil and soap, valued at Gh¢3,000 for the welfare of persons living with the disease in the Wa Municipality. Hajia Ramatu Mahama, the Founder of the NGO presenting the items, said persons living with HIV/AIDS should not be seen as enemies but as friends. She said they needed support in whatever form to enable them to overcome their agony in life. Hajia Ramatu Mahama, who is also the wife of the Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, appealed to people in the region to voluntary check their HIV/AIDS status. She appealed to persons living with the disease to remain faithful and avoid its spread. Hajia Ramatu Mahama also called on Ghanaians especially the rich to learn to share what they have with the needy. She appealed to the Regional Minister and executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to organise parties for the vulnerable in the Municipality to restore love and understanding after the Ramadan (fast). Madam Zalia Zenipare, Project Coordinator of the Rama Foundation, said the NGO was dedicated to providing support to the vulnerable in society. She urged people in the region to take health issues seriously and commended the government for implementing the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Mr George Aikah Benson, Upper West Regional Minister, commended the NGO for showing interest in the vulnerable and said persons living with HIV/AIDS needed more support not only by way of food but also the expression of love. He expressed the regret that the region had not performed well in the prevention of the disease saying "our prevalence rate is 3.3 per cent despite the springing up of new health facilities."