Principal Secretaries lead HIV-AIDS testing campaign

Even though its been a very difficult decision to make, Principal Secretaries of the different Ministries have agreed collectively, to undertake HIV tests as a way of contributing towards the fight against the pandemic, the Government Secretary, Mr. Tlohang Sekhamane, has announced.

In a statement at the start of the HIV/AIDS testing, the Government Secretary commended his colleagues for this, a bold decision which he said they should not regret because their leadership positions necessitated that they lead by example.

Nobody had been arm twisted but all had taken the decision of their own accord. This was a pivotal step because if people know their status, they are then able to take responsibility for their lives. If they are positive, they will ensure that they prolong their lives and protect their loved ones, but if negative, will also ensure that they stay that way, Mr. Sekhamane said.

Lack of accurate statistics with regard to HIV/AIDS has made it difficult to strategise, the Government Secretary said, showing however that if the good example of the Principal Secretaries was followed, the country would then have accurate figures on which to base plans.

Asked if the fact that they had used Zambian doctors to do the tests meant they had no confidence in local facilities and experts, Mr. Sekhamane said Zambia has extensive experience in testing groups of people. The Zambians would ensure that the group tests went right and thus encourage other people not to be scared and take the tests as well, he said.

09 February 2004