Ministry of Health Sets out Guidelines on Testing

Ministry of Health and Social Welfare guidelines in HIV testing, addressing such issues as ethics, legal ramifications, service delivery and universal testing are to be officially launched on June 16 at the Mafeteng hospital.

The guidelines to provide a standardised approach to HIV/ Aids testing in all public and private clinics and hospitals in the country, were put together by consultants from World Health Organization (WHO) African region office in Zimbabwe in collaboration with local counselors, laboratory technicians, medical practitioners and representatives from government and non-governmental organizations and was finalised in April 2004, according to a statement from the Ministry.

The guidelines are intended for use by individuals and institutions that conduct HIV testing in the country.

Minister of Health, Dr.Motloheloa Phooko, accompanied by World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Dr. Angela Benson and the visiting United Nation (UN) Secretary General's Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS in Africa, Mr. Stephen Lewis, will officiate the launching ceremony 

14 June 2004