HEALTH

TECHIMAN N: HIV/AIDS committee extends sensitization to basic schools
The committee in charge of HIV/AIDS in the Techiman North District embarked on HIV/AIDS sensitization in some selected basic schools in the District.

Date Created : 7/30/2018 7:29:32 AM : Story Author : Aziz Abubakar/Ghanadistricts.com

The team made up of staff from the Ghana Health Service and the District Assembly visited the Roman Catholic Junior high School (RC JHS) in Tuobodom to educate them on the dangers of HIV/AIDS and the need for abstinence as the best option.

Mr. Mohammed Nurudeen, the Disease Control Officer of the Tuobodom Health Directorate took turn to educate the pupils on the signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS and advise them to be cautious and see everybody as a potential carrier of the virus. He said the disease has no respect for one’s status, education, beauty/ handsomeness’ and family backgrounds, so the trust for somebody is out.

He said HIV/AIDS test at the health facilities is now compulsory for all pregnant women because during delivery, the mother can pass this deadly virus to newborn hence the need for the test, and if the results prove positive plans will be put in place to protect the newborn baby.

Mr. Mohammed went further to explain to pupils that somebody can also contract the virus through the exchange use of sharp objects, like razor blades, knifes and many other sharp objects that you exchange in use, and advise them not to use razor blades anyhow.

Mr. Boateng Elvis, a pharmacist at the Tuobodom Health Centre, told pupils to be careful and exercise patience in life, adding that at their stage, abstinence is the best option and that after marriage sex will automatically come and no need for rash.

Mr. Boateng stated that the period to detect the virus in one’s system is between six (6) weeks to three (3) months and stress that there is life after HIV test and encourage them to avail themselves for HIV test.

He took time to explain some of the symptoms of the HIV such as; loss of appetite, loss of weight, frequent fatigue, severe headache and many more as the symptoms of HIV/Aids. He concluded by advising them to protect their dreams.

Madam Kasim Lantana the HIV/AIDS focal person for the district shared her experience as a mother and advised the pupil that, at their age the best for them is abstinence.