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Zambia determined to push for mandatory HIV testing
2:59 CAT | 17 Aug 2017
AFP ( File photo) / Health centres currently offer voluntary HIV testing and counselling services
Zambian Health minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has threatened to shut down all privately-owned health centres that will not implement a compulsory HIV testing policy on patients.
President Edgar Lungu on Tuesday announced that testing, counselling and treatment is no longer voluntary in his bid to make the country free of Aids by 2030.
This means that anyone who goes to a private or state health centre for any treatment will be automatically tested.
Despite the move being condemned by some politicians and human rights campaigners, the government says it is determined to make it work.
Mr Chilufya wondered why people did not want to know their HIV status, according to a report in the state-owned Zambia Daily Mail newspaper:
“Why are people afraid of knowing their status? It’s better you know so that if you are positive, medication is given to preserve your life.”
He said that a further proclamation aimed at implementing the decision will be issued.
He disclosed that 81% of admissions at the University Teaching Hospital, the country’s biggest referral hospital, are HIV-related.
Source: BBC
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