HIV testing and counselling campaign launched

Harare, November 21, 2014 (OWN)-Government says it remains committed and focused on working towards reversing the spread of HIV in line with the Millennium Development Goals.

Minister of State for provincial affairs-Harare metropolitan Hon. Miriam Chikukwa was the guest of honour.

Speaking at the official launch on Thursday, of the HIV Testing and Counselling campaign (HTC) and revised HTC guidelines for adults and children, Chikukwa said Zimbabwe had achieved the 2015 MDGs target in HIV testing and counselling (HTC)with 85% of the population knowing their HIV status.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Government of Zimbabwe remains committed and focused on halting and working towards reversing the spread of HIV in line with the Millennium Development Goals. As we enter the homestretch, towards 2015 our primary target in HIV testing and counselling (HTC) is that 85% of the people in Zimbabwe know their HIV status," she said. She said HTC was a critical point to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, with recent studies showing that HTC was a preventive strategy.

"While HTC remains a critical entry point to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, recent studies have shown that HTC is actually a preventive strategy in its own right".

Hon. Chikukwa said the aim of the HTC was to bring services close to people and mainly targeting men.

"This year's campaign, ladies and gentlemen, is taking a new twist all together as we are deliberately targeting the men, and also we have realized that a significant gap still exists regarding the testing rate for children".

"The aim is to bring HTC services close to the people in an integrated manner, with improved linkages and referrals to prevention, treatment, care and support. Through this campaign, we are hoping to increase the uptake of HTC thereby increasing the number of people who know their HIV status," said the minister.

However, she said, HTC guidelines was to provide national standards that must be adhered to in the provision of high quality client and provider initiated HIV testing and counselling services in Zimbabwe, in all health facilities and at community level.

HTC guidelines are both for adults and children meant to assist service providers in expanding children and adolescents' access to quality HIV testing and counselling.