People with disabilities don’t benefit from HIV services – report

—Government says it is aware that people with disabilities have not benefitted from our HIV services.

Health Permanent Secretary, Davy Chikamata, was reaction to a report by the Human Rights Watch which states that nearly 2 million people with disabilities in Zambia face significant barriers to HIV prevention, testing and treatment.

Dr Chikamata said he is pleased that the Human Rights Watch undertook the research and worked closely with the National HIV and disability groups to come up with the findings.

He said government welcomes the report from Human Rights Watch which highlights some of the key barriers to HIV services experienced by people with disabilities.

And fellow at the Human Rights Watch, Rashmi Chopra presented an 80 page report on the Barriers to HIV Services and Treatment for persons with Disabilities in Zambia which stated that majority of disabled people face obstacles to in communities and healthcare settings.

Ms Chopra said the situation needed concerted efforts to change.