Celebs lead Paddies on HIV/AIDS, Ebola campaign

A number of Ghanaian celebrities and corporate executives will descend on the James Town Roundabout (behind Mantse Agbonaa) in Accra on Saturday, March 5 morning as they seek to influence the lives of residents of the area to adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent contracting the killer diseases, Ebola and HIV/AIDS

Radio and TV personalities such as actress Peace Hyde, Jozy of Talented Kids fame, Chantelle of Viasat 1, Kwami Sefa Kayi, KOD, Bola Ray and other members of Paddies, a social media grouping of professionals determined to impact society through charity work and networking, will undertake an outreach programme at the coastal community on how to avoid contracting the two deadly diseases.

The awareness and sustainable education on HIV/AIDS and Ebola programme is a collaboration between Paddies and UNAIDS.

Between 6.00am and 12 noon, Paddies will engage residents in the community to make informed choices and better manage the crisis. They will stress the need for people to undergo tests to know their HIV status and use of condoms before sexual encounters and faithfulness to one's partner.

On Ebola, improved personal hygine as the first step, regular washing of hands after handshakes and consumption of well cooked food with be the pillars on which the outreach programme will be anchored.

The president of Paddies, Franklin Sowah, is excited about Saturday's programme which is the first of charity projects the the group will undertake this year.

"We have medical doctors and other professionals in Paddies to spearhead this programme and we're excited to make a positive impact on our society because HIV/AIDS and Ebola are infections which affect society and deserve serious attention," he said.