MÉDECINS Sans Frontières (MSF) is providing free HIV testing and counselling at this year’s Harare Agricultural Show as part of efforts to encourage more people to know their HIV status and seek treatment early.
BY PHYLLIS MBANJE
The international medical humanitarian organisation will particularly focus on adolescents.
According to a Unicef report, Aids is the leading cause of death among adolescents (10 – 19) in Africa and the second leading cause of death among adolescents globally.
The same report says Aids-related deaths among adolescents have tripled since 2000 while decreasing among all other age groups. This can largely be attributed to a generation of children infected by HIV at birth who are growing into adolescence without access to lifesaving ARVs.
“We want to encourage everyone to come and get tested, but we particularly welcome adolescents who must come with their guardians,” said MSF head of mission for Zimbabwe, Abi Kebra Belaye. Those found to be HIV-positive can seek treatment early.
Apart from providing free HIV testing services, MSF will also showcase and provide information on its HIV/TB and mental health project activities.
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“Visitors to the MSF stand will learn of new innovations in increasing treatment and care for HIV and TB patients and reducing the burden of mental illness,” Belaye said.
MSF continues to support the Ministry of Health and Child Care to roll out targeted and routine viral load monitoring, treat drug-resistant TB, implement Community ART refill groups (CARGs), and provide emergency treatment after rape at designated health facilities. MSF also provides treatment and care for mental patients at the Harare Central Hospital Psychiatric Unit.
MSF has been working in Zimbabwe since 2000 with projects located in Chipinge, Epworth, Harare, Gutu, Mwenezi and the greater part of Manicaland province.
Last year’s campaign was a huge success with 2 000 people taking the voluntary test, far exceeding the initial target of 1 000.
This year’s campaign, dubbed Know Your Status, aims to provide free HIV testing and counselling services to members of the public who visit the MSF stand in the Exhibition Park.
