Kabompo DC calls for scaling up of VCT in the area

Kabompo DC calls for scaling up of VCT in the area

Kabompo, July 10, ZANIS– Kabompo District Commissioner, Dennis Kanyakula has called for the scaling up of HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in the district for more people to know their status.

Mr Kanyakula disclosed that in 2012 and this year, only 15,599 people have undergone VCT out of a total population of over 95,000.

The District Commissioner said this in a speech read on his behalf by District Community Medical Officer, Stephen Shajanika during this year’s national voluntary counselling and testing day commemoration held at Kamashila primary school.

He said it is important people to go for VCT as it is the first step in prevention and accessing HIV services when people know their HIV status.

Mr Kanyakula said early treatment of HIV infections and adherence to prescribed medication will make HIV positive people live normal health life and prolong their life span just like those that are not infected.

He nevertheless, said the district still remains one of the districts with the lowest burden of a mature and generalized HIV/AIDS epidemic with prevalence rate of 5.9 percent.

Mr Kanyakula said the most vulnerable to HIV infection in Kabompo were the youths and women.