Shiwang’andu sets-up VCT sites

Shiwang’andu sets-up VCT sites

Shiwang`andu, July 1, 2014, ZANIS… …Shiwang`andu District Commissioner Moses Katebe says government in collaboration with cooperating partners has set up Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) sites in all the nine health facilities in the area.

Moses Katebe said the VCT services at all the health facilities in the district are meant  to ensure that every one is reached and has access to the health service.

Mr. Katebe said this yesterday in a speech ready on his behalf by Shiwang`andu District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Annie Mutambo at the first ever commemoration of International VCT day in Shiwang`andu.

The event was successfully held at Matumbo Rural Health centre and was celebrated under the theme” Reaching every one, everywhere with Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services”.

Mr. Katebe said the demand for counseling and testing in the district was growing hence the need to promote routine counseling and testing for HIV in all Health facilities in the district as a strategy to effectively manage clients and patients.

And Speaking earlier Shiwang`andu District Medical Officer (DCMO) Webster Kambinga said the district has counseled and tested a total number of 1,421 clients out of which 52 were found positive and had since been enrolled on the Anti-Retrial Treatment (ART) programme.

Dr. Kambinga noted that despite Shiwang`andu being a recently created district government and stakeholders have not relented in promoting the accessibility of VCT services to all community members.

The DCMO said the level at which VCT is being provided in the district should not leave anyone without an opportunity to be counseled and tested, adding that this showed that the district was capable of managing all clients.

Meanwhile, a Matumbo based citizen Elizabeth Spirah said now that Shiwang`andu is an independent district there is need to form an Anti-Aids Club that will create awareness  on HIV/AIDS.

Apart from VCT, other health services such as cervical cancer screening and  Male Circumcision (MC)  were conducted during the commemoration of VCT Day.