Educate peers on HIV/AIDS – Youth told

The Chief Executive of St John Ambulance Ghana, Dr Anthony Kwame Apedzi, has charged the youth to sensitise their peers to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

He said advances in the treatment of the disease had led many people to forget that the disease still exists hence the need to remind their peers about its prevalence.

Dr Apedzi was speaking to staff and volunteers of the organisation who participated in a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme held in collaboration with the Ghana Aids Commission.

The CPD is a vital initiative aimed at equipping the staff of St. John Ambulance-Ghana and volunteers with the latest knowledge and strategies in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

It formed part of activities lined up to commemorate the 87th Anniversary of St John Ambulance, Ghana.

Improve

Dr Apedzi called on members of the organisation to support the commission to improve public health.

“As health educators, we need to join hands with the Ghana Aids Commission to help in their effort to enhance public health awareness and professional competence in managing HIV/AIDS,” he said.

Dr Apedzi thanked the Ghana AIDS Commission for coming on board to undertake the training and emphasised the critical role of healthcare professionals in the fight against HIV/AIDS.That, he said, was particularly in raising awareness, educating communities and promoting prevention, especially among the youth who might underestimate the threat of the disease.

He encouraged participants to use the training to enhance their skills, share experiences and work together to make a meaningful impact in combating HIV/AIDS.

The Director of Technical Services of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Fred Nana Poku, commended the partnership between the two organisations and reiterated the commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promoted HIV/AIDS education and awareness.

As an HIV/AIDS expert and specialist, he briefed participants about the mandate of the commission and further gave an in-depth exploration of the causes of HIV/AIDS, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of how the virus is transmitted.

Dr Poku revealed that HIV remained a significant public health concern in Ghana, with around 40 new infections daily and over 12,000 deaths annually from AIDS-related illnesses.

Sexual transmission accounts for 80 per cent of new infections, and women are disproportionately affected, comprising 65 per cent of those living with HIV.

Credit: Graphic Online