HIV/AIDS EARLY DIAGNOSIS VITAL-MAYOR
EARLY
diagnosis is a basis for effective HIV/AIDS treatment, says Chongwe mayor, Geoffrey Chumbwe.
Mr. Chumbwe said this when he officiated at the commemoration of the World AIDS day in Chongwe which was held under the global theme, “Know your status” and the country level theme, “Running the last mile: Leaving no one behind.”
“HIV testing makes good public health sense in that it ensures timely diagnosis for treatment which is the basis for treatment which can contribute to the prevention of HIV transmission. People on treatment can live normal lives and are less likely to transmit infections” he said.
Mr. Chumbwe reaffirmed government’s commitment to the fight against HIV. “Government is committed to ensuring that we reach an AIDS free generation by 2030 and has put measures in place to help improve the quality of life for those living with HIV and AIDS. One of the things government has achieved is to ensure that we have no drug shortages in all our health facilities.
We must personalize this fight. We must all take responsibility for our own health and that of others” he said.
At the same occasion, District Health Director, Dr. Joseph Kabungo emphasized that the Ministry of Health was more than determined to ensure that 90% of the people living with HIV/AIDS know their status, 90% are put on treatment and 90% are virally suppressed (90/90/90).