One in four Zambians living in Livingstone is HIV positive. That's the news on World Aids Day on 1 December. The day come with the call ‘’Zambia’s future: Getting to New Zero HIV infection’’. But the dire statistics show a different story. They come from Livingstone District Medical Officer Cliff Hara. He told First-Lady Esther Lungu that the tourist capital had 42,000 people living with HIV/AIDS out of a population of 165,000.
Aids in Zambia has been called “the silent killer – because people are too afraid to admit they have the disease”. Of those infected with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, 90% are thought to be unaware of their infection. HIV is a manageable condition. It’s not a death sentence. However if it is not diagnosed and treated it can develop into Aids.
In a report by specialist physicians one doctor is quoted as saying; “In my experience, very few people will agree to have an HIV test performed, even after special counselling. A study found that “only 7% of couples invited for counselling and testing in Lusaka decided to have a test. Broader statistics show that 1 in 8 Zambians are HIV positive.
Show your support for World Aids Day 2015 by wearing a red ribbon. Make sure you take an HIV test so you can find out your status and get treatment if it is needed.
Despite three decades of research, there is no cure for HIV. The best cure is to avoid infection by practicing safe sex and using a condom every time you have sex. Tell us, have you tested?