Government to uphold human rights, gender in HIV/AIDS interventions

Government to uphold human rights, gender in HIV/AIDS interventions

Kafue, November 30, ZANIS———Government says it is committed to ensure that gender and human rights are mainstreamed in HIV/AIDS interventions.

Central province Minister who is also Kafue Member of Parliament, Obvious Mwaliteta disclosed that government is working with stakeholders in developing a road map to guide the national HIV response.

He also said the stakeholders will focus and intensify HIV prevention among the sexually active and reproductive age especially the young people.

Mr Mwaliteta said this during the World AIDS Day commemoration at the Town bus stop in Kafue district today.

He said Zambia being one of the 189 United Nations member states is committed to the declaration on HIV/AIDS by taking actions in the areas of leadership prevention, treatment care and support among others.

The area Member of Parliament added that though the country is still experiencing heavy impact of the pandemic, there are positive gains in the control efforts.

He cited increase in the age of sexual debut, people in need of treatment and pregnant women accessing prevention of mother to child transmission.

And speaking at the same function, Kafue District Medical Officer, Dr Wyson Munga called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders and the general public in order curb the pandemic.

Dr Munga said Kafue district has recorded one of the highest rates in the country with the prevalence rate of 19.3% which has been static for 5 years.

He attributed the increase of the scourge in the district to it being the transit point and an area for mobile population business people such as fish mongers in fishing camps.

Meanwhile Dr Munga has since commended government and the community for their commitment in fighting HIV and AIDS in the district.