Sunyani, GNA - Mr. William Saawil Sopiimeh, Brong-Ahafo Regional HIV/AIDS Coordinator, has appealed to chiefs and queen mothers in Brong-Ahafo Region to ensure enforcement of positive traditional and societal values as a way to control the spread of HIV/AIDS.
He said although there are certain positive cultural values which could help check the spread of the virus when enforced, there are also certain negative cultural practices that fuelled and promoted the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region.
He therefore appealed to queen mothers to use traditional methods of communication to support the 'know your status' campaign launched recently by the Regional Health Directorate.
Mr. Sopiimeh said this at an HIV/AIDS Competency Workshop held for members of the Brong-Ahafo Paramount Queenmothers Association in Sunyani.
He said negative practices included widow inheritance, female genital mutilation, 'Kunatun' or where a widower/widow moves outside his or her community to have sexual intercourse with an unknown person as a purification before remarrying and the practice where some women put herbs in the vagina to make it dry and increase friction.
Nana Atoa Sramangyedua III, Queenmother of Wenchi and President of the Brong-Ahafo Paramount Queenmothers Association, appealed to the queen mothers to educate their people in order to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.
She assured the Ghana AIDS Commission that whatever amount that is released to the association shall be used for its intended purpose.
Okatakyie Agyemang Kudom IV, Chief of Nkoranza and President of Brong-Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs who presided, urged the youth to focus on their studies, trade and vocational training and to refrain from anti social activities.
GNA