Zimbabwe introduces HIV self test kit

Stakeholders in the health sector have welcomed the introduction of HIV self test kits but have cautioned that people should always go for pre-counselling before testing themselves.

Four Southern African countries Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa will from this month roll out an HIV self-testing pilot project.

The project is aimed at evaluating the acceptability and feasibility of self-testing among the populace.

Stakeholders in the health sector have applauded the move saying it is a demonstration that Zimbabwe is keeping abreast with all HIV and AIDS interventions.

SafAIDS director Mrs Loice Chingandu says self testing can, however, lead to inter-partner violence if not handled properly.

Community Working Group on Health executive director Itayi Rusike noted that self-testing can also lead to psycho-social distress which may lead to self harm or even suicide.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, phase 2 of the project will see more than one million HIV self test kits being distributed in the country commencing this month.

The project is envisaged to increase the number of people in the country who know their HIV status.

Countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Kenya and Hong Kong have legalised self-testing, while in Namibia, Tanzania, Russia and China, self-testing is done informally.

Zimbabwe has more than 1.2 million HIV positive people and over 800 000 are accessing life prolonging medication under the national programme.