By Charles Tawiah
Nyinahin (Ash) Oct. 12, GNA – Mr. Issahak Ibrahim, Atwima Mponua District Chief Executive (DCE) has called for urgent coordinated action to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS to help reduce the alarming spate of infection in the district.
He said it was important for all key stakeholders to get ready to lead in public education, prevention and support service efforts to prevent the spread of the disease in the district.
Mr Ibrahim was speaking at the inauguration of a nine-member district HIV/AIDS response committee, constituted by the Ghana Aids Commission in the district.
A data presented during the event revealed that 139 new HIV/AIDS infections are recorded in the district, making the district the second highest infected after the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
Mr Ibrahim urged the district and regional committee members to develop and implement effective and evidence-based interventions that could help minimize the infection rate in the area.
He stressed the need to avoid complacency with statistics and embarked on intensified public education, voluntary testing and counselling, end stigmatization and discrimination, and work for improved access to prevention, treatment and support services.
The DCE charged the members of the committee to be dedicated to duty since the success of their operations would depend on sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.
“The fight against HIV/AIDS demands more than words; it requires collective, responsible, consistent public education, accessible health services and a united commitment to protecting lives”, he stated.
The inauguration was aimed at building a stronger district-wide response to HIV/AIDS with the committee to coordinate targeted interventions, deepen unity engagement, and translate the alarming statistics into meaningful action.
The committee chaired by the DCE, also had Madam Deborah Mawuena Gaze, Margaret Nambu from the Ghana Education Service, Joyce Bannerman from the District Health Directorate and Nana Amoako Ogyampa, a traditional ruler.
Other members are Catechist Collins Opoku Boah, representing the District Local Council of Churches, Mr. David Baggania, a civil society representative, Alhaji Abu Adam, representing the Muslim community and Mr. Ernest Kofi Ashie, the District Focal person of the program.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade