NGO cautions HIV-positive people against fasting

An AIDS NGO in Ghana has expressed concern over the growing number of people living with HIV/AIDS who are engaging in religious fasting practices. In a recent interview with the Ghana News Agency, the chairman of a local community organisation, Joseph Amponsah, said the practice put HIV-positive people at risk of dying prematurely because of the strain on their weak immune systems. Throughout November, Muslims around the world have marked the holy month of Ramadan by fasting. Amponsah said: "Many people living with HIV/AIDS have already lost all the blood cells that would fight against diseases and therefore need to feed on well-balanced diets to promote their health." Amponsah said while religion was important, people living with HIV/AIDS could not be cured through prayer and should rather adhere to medical advice and guidelines in order to live longer.