Testing for HIV

The Zambian Health Service is determined to get all Zambians to test for HIV. But it seems this is a difficult task as many Zambians refuse, or live far from testing facilities.

So in an effort to encourage people to simply take the test they are going the extra mile - delivering home testing kits to remote rural areas.

The Lusaka Times reported that the Society for Family Health is doing door to door deliveries of an HIV home testing kit. These kits are being distributed by bicycle to villages in Choma district’s Masuku area. The kit has step-by-step instructions. You use a saliva swab to test for HIV antibodies and get the results in a few minutes.

The campaign is also urging the headmen to join in the fight against stigma and discrimination, and to be supportive to those infected with HIV.

Why is the government so keen to get people to test? According to the report simply not enough Zambians get themselves tested for HIV! And not knowing if you are positive or negative means you can't handle your health.

HIV is a manageable disease and you can live a long and healthy life. But the first step is to test so you can get free ARV treatment and protect those you love.

Why do you think Zambians are reluctant to test?