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Kasapreko Company Limited (KCL),
producers of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages in Ghana, pledged to continue
its support of people living with HIV/AIDS, especially those at Matthew 25
House in Koforidua, and to help eliminate the stigmatization they experience
because of the disease. Matthew 25 House is a non-governmental organization
(NGO) in Ghana, established in 1998 to help persons infected and affected by
HIV/AIDS regardless of race, tribe, or religious and political beliefs. It
provides: care and support for persons with HIV as well as orphans and
vulnerable children; sexual education programs for youth in certain
institutions; education and communication materials to the general public; and
skill training for women and youth. The NGO’s name is derived from its mission
statement, which is based on Matthew 25:31-40 of the New Testament.
KCL Marketing Manager Clarence
Amenyah stated that the beverage producer first encountered Matthew 25 House
when it sent a letter to KCL requesting support for its annual Christmas soup
kitchen. KCL management immediately recognized the worth of supporting the NGO
and took the opportunity to ensure that the inmates had a memorable Christmas
celebration. KCL management and staff provided almost everything needed for the
event, including the food, entertainment, and transportation. KCL staff and
management also donated funds to the house for the inmates’ continued upkeep as
well as the purchase of household items, food items, and clothing.
Amenyah stated that the company was
keen to support health-related programs and that it would also extend support
to those caring for persons with HIV/AIDS. He noted that supporting the event
helped reinforce the truth that “people living with HIV/AIDS are also human
beings” and that “there is no way society can eliminate them.” He condemned the
disturbing stigmatization of these patients, noting in particular that wage
earners can automatically lose their jobs if they become infected with HIV.
Amenyah appealed to the general public to get tested and know their status. He
said that what KCL did for Matthew 25 House was to publicize the state of
affairs of its inmates; let other corporate entities know that help was needed
and that it was not bad to help improve the lives of persons with HIV/AIDS; and
inform Ghanaians that people living with HIV are still relevant to society.
Amenyah pledged the company’s commitment to the welfare of people with HIV and
stated the company would continue to lend its assistance to the inmates of Matthew
25 House.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
