State wins HIV/AIDS kudos

The local authority in Nakonde district of Muchinga Province is happy with government’s continued effort and commitment in its quest to fight HIV/AIDS in the country.

 

Nakonde district council chairperson Leonard Mukwasa noted that the policies put in place by the government were meant for all stakeholders to supplement efforts to help reduce HIV infection rates.

Mr. Mukwasa said this when he officiated at the commemoration of world AIDS day yesterday under the theme ‘’Getting to Zero New Infection, zero Related Deaths, zero Stigma and discrimination’’.

He also said that the theme for this year was appropriate as it serves to remind all Zambians that there is need to re-energize and support an effective and sustainable response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic that will reduce new infections through the local response.

Mr. Mukwasa thanked stakeholders that have continued to support government towards the fight against HIV/AIDS not only in Nakonde but the country at large.

Meanwhile, Nakonde district medical officer Ngoyi Asosa encouraged Zambians and all stakeholders to contribute effectively and assist government in fighting the disease.

 

Dr. Asosa pointed out that this was in order to fulfill government long term vision of 2030 of a nation free from threat of HIV /AIDS and also to reverse the spread of HIV by 2015 in-line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

 

And Nakonde district AIDS Task Force (DAFT) chairperson Morris Kabanda called upon members of the public to go for voluntary counseling and testing (VCT).

Mr. Kabanda noted that it was vital for people to know their HIV status in order for every individual to start living a responsible life by protecting themselves from infection.