MPS challenged, lead way in HIV/AIDS testing

By SANDRA MACHIMA PARLIAMENTARIANS must demonstrate an example by ensuring that they lead their people to undergo HIV/AIDS testing and support the government’s proclamation on the mandatory testing policy, says Gallant Youth in Zambia executive director Henry Mulenga.

Mr Mulenga said by doing so, law makers would encourage people to also go for HIV/AIDS and eliminate the stigmatisation and all wrong perceptions about the disease.

He said a lot of people shun being tested because of lack of information, but that should their leaders take a lead and be on top of things, it would be easier for everybody to open up and do the testing for their benefit.

Mr Mulenga said the law makers were leaders and that it was imperative that they partnered with other stakeholders on a campaign that was aimed at destigmatising HIV and AIDS and encouraging people in their respective constituencies, along with traditional leaders in the country, to get tested.

Mr Mulenga explained that the HIV/AIDS prevalence would be manageable should every one take a lead, adding that the policy would improve HIV testing and treatment adherence rates.

He challenged MPs to visit their constituencies and ensure sensitisation programmes were not only left to health personnel, but that they should be part of the exercise, together with their ward councillors, just in the same manner they do it when they visit their constituencies lobbying votes from the electorates.

Mr Mulenga explained that public awareness campaigns of the mandatory HIV/AIDS testing exercise must not be left to the government alone, but needs concerted effort if the campaign was to bear fruit, noting that those living with HIV should be engaged with care providers to help them access and benefit from treatment on time.

Mr Mulenga commended headmen in Chief Chikwanda’s chiefdom in Muchinga Province who have volunteered to lead their subjects in the mandatory HIV/AIDS testing.