First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has launched a campaign to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in Ashanti Region.

It is a collaborative initiative by the Lordina Foundation and the Ghana Chapter of Organization of First Ladies in Africa and Ghana AIDS Commission.

The ceremony at Asante Mampong attracted traditional leaders in Ashanti and the Bono Ahafo Regions, among other high-profile personalities.

Mrs. Mahama advised the public to take advantage of free screening and test services to know status and seek appropriate preventive and management services.

Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Angela El –Adas, revealed women and children form 70 per cent of HIV patients in Ghana.

She added in 2013 alone, 2,407 children below 15 years contracted the infection.

Dr. El- Adas also drew attention to cervical and breast cancers which account for majority of cancer-related death among women in the country.

She explained about 5,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 2,900 for breast cancer each year.

Members of the public had two days of free HIV testing and counseling, breast and cervical cancer screening, blood pressure and weight check.

There was also education on HIV prevention, stigma and discrimination.