INTRODUCTION
The Ghana National Association of Teachers, (GNAT) in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission has been implementing an HIV/AIDS project for the Education Sector. The covered five districts; Obuasi in the Adansi West in the Ashanti Region, Dormaa Ahenkro in the Brong Ahafo Region, Bole in the Northern Region, Ketu in the Volta Region and the Jomoro District in the Western Region.

As part of the project, six counselling units have been opened in the project districts including one at the Headquarters. The objective is to counsel teachers and students with diverse problems – alcoholism, financial problems or those affected or infected with HIV/AIDS. Seventeen counsellors were trained to offer counselling at these centres. With the exception of Aflao, the four district centres have been launched and running. At the GNAT headquarters, two large rooms have been furnished for counselling services every Wednesday from 9:00 am to 3:00pm.

THE LAUNCHING
Over 290 Heads of institutions (Basic and Senior Secondary Schools), teachers and students attended the launching ceremony. In her Welcome address, Helena Awurusa, the GNAT HIV/AIDS Coordinator, elaborated on the objectives of the HIV/AIDS project. Key among these objectives were; to educate and sensitise teachers on preventive measures; to identify and develop a social support system for teachers infected and affected by HIV and provide education and counselling services for teachers, students and pupils.
Ms Awurusa gave a report on the achievements of the HIV/AIDS project which included conducting baseline surveys in all the five districts, over 27,000 condoms distributed in these districts, over 2,500 teachers, students, pupils and community members sensitised and trained. Over 100 unemployed youth have received skill training in all the five districts. Counselling centres have been set up and running in all the five districts and the GNAT headquarters.

The Project Coordinator stated that GNAT has developed an HIV/AIDS work place policy for teachers, which have been approved by the GNAT National Delegates’ Conference. She emphasized that GNAT would negotiate with the employer to put in place a special fund (Income Continuous) to cater for the economic and social needs of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). Such a fund she said would also cover all ailments not covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

In his address, the Chairman of the GNAT HIV/AIDS committee Mr.George Avorkliyah explained the need for counselling for the teacher. He stated that counselling for the teacher is a necessity because he/she is a role model for the students/pupils and the community they live in. Hence if they are beset by problems they cannot comprehend, there is the need to quickly help them out. He stressed that a teacher who seeks counselling during periods of crises will be in a position to handle the crises better and make choices and decisions, which would enhance his/her outlook among the students, pupils and society at large. The teachers reaction to situations could negatively or positively impact on the children they teach hence the need for the teacher to be counselled to face situation positively.

He called on all teachers to encourage their families, peers and students to patronize the counselling centre since the services offered at the centre would cover all issues including HIV/AIDS.

Health personnel from the Adabraka polyclinic educated participants on the symptoms of the various sexually transmitted diseases, how they are transmitted and how they can be prevented. They also demonstrated to the participants the use of various contraceptives and called on teachers and students to report to the clinic once they notice any of the symptoms of STIs.

Dr. Sylvia Annie- Director for Policy Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana AIDS Commission delivered the keynote address. She acknowledged that HIV/AIDS results in much trauma and stress for both the infected and affected. She explained that counselling however has proved to be an effective strategy, which has enabled infected and affected individuals and families cope with the stress that the disease brought along. Counselling she said has provided the caring, understanding and warmth that reduces trauma and rejection.

Dr. Annie explained Voluntary Counselling and Testing and said it was an important component of HIV/AIDS prevention. VCT she said has served as an entry point to care for people who are already HIV infected. Through VCT, people have learnt about and accepted their sero-status in a confidential environment where they have learnt strategies to prevent infection to themselves and others. They have also received emotional care or have been referred for medical and psychosocial services where appropriate. She therefore encouraged teachers to go for VCT and educate their peers, families students and pupils to as well access VCT.

Dr. Annie explained that there is treatment available for those who are HIV/AIDS positive hence testing positive for HIV/AIDS does not mean they have received a death warrant but rather they can live longer and healthier if they receive care and support. She called on the counsellors at the centre to render service with respect, empathy, and confidentiality and ensure privacy at all times. She then declared the centre duly opened.