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Govt reiterates commitment to gender, human rights issues
Solwezi, Jun 28/13——Government has reiterated its commitment to integrating gender and human rights in all interventions aimed at responding to HIV and AIDS in the country.
Solwezi District AIDS Coordinating Adviser (DACA), Dunstan Sawomba, said this road map is focused at accelerating and intensifying prevention of new HIV infections among youths and sexually active age groups.
Mr Sawomba said this during the commemoration of National Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) day organized by Barrick Lumwana held at Mwajimambwe Basic School.
Mr Sawomba disclosed that National AIDS Council (NAC) has approved over KR146,000 to five community and faith based organizations in the district to help them implement HIV related programs.
He named the groups as Mumena Safety Motherhood Action group, a women’s club which will receive KR17,400, Lumwana community Aids Task force which will benefit KR 33,180 and Wanyinwa which will get KR 31,500.
Mr Sawomba called for re-energized efforts by stakeholders in supporting effective and suitable responses to HIV pandemic that will reduce new infections.
Lumwana Community AIDS Task Force Chairperson, Shadrick Munjungu, bemoaned the lack of an Anti-retro Therapy in Lumwana east, saying this has caused many HIV/AIDS patients failing to access medication on time due to long distances to ART centres which are located in Solwezi town.
.Mr Munjungu assured that the task force will not relent in its quest to control the HIV and AIDS pandemic which he said is detrimental to national development.
Speaking at the same function, Barrick Lumwana Mine Copper Business Unit Operation Director, Brian Grebenc, said the company attaches great importance to improving the welfare of people in communities where it operates from.
Mr Grebenc commended government and traditional leaders for their noble leadership shown in the campaign against HIV and AIDS and promoting safe community health style.
