— Govt. calls for a stop on stigma

Govt. calls for a stop on stigma
Mansa, December 2, 2014, ZANIS — Health Deputy Minister Chitalu Chilufya has called on people   to stop stigmatizing those living with HIV/AIDS.

Dr Chilufya says there need to show love to those living with HIV/AIDS if the country is to concur stigma.

ZANIS reports that the Deputy Minister said this in a speech read for him by Mansa District Administrative Officer Evans Sikabbuba, yesterday.

This was during this year’s World AIDS Day commemoration held at Muchinka grounds in the district.

Dr Chilufya with this year’s theme: “Zambia at 50, towards Zero stigma”, it calls for serious efforts in encouraging people to access testing and counseling.

The minister stressed the need for people to go for HIV Testing and counselling saying it is a critical entry point to HIV prevention and treatment.

 He said the fight against HIV/AIDS needs combined efforts from non-governmental organizations, the Civil Society, the church, traditional leaders and all Zambians if is to worn.

And Luapula Province Provincial AIDS Task Force chairperson Jane Chisanga bemoaned the poor participation of organization to public events.

Mrs. Chisanga has since appealed to all partners to support every effort of government through the National AIDS Council in the fight Aids.

Luapula Province joined the rest of the World in Commemorating WORLD AIDS DAY with the Theme: “Zambia @ 50, towards zero stigma”