adminZIPAH is a voluntary organisation made up of Members of Parliament aimed at promoting awareness and fighting stigma associated with HIV and Aids.
A total of 107 legislators, their spouses and Parliament staff members underwent HIV counselling and testing at a clinic at Parliament Building in Harare on Wednesday.
The initiative dubbed; “Parliamentarians making the smart choice”, seeks to send a message to constituencies to encourage the grassroots to follow suit.
Population Services International Zimbabwe country director Ms Louisa Norman hailed the legislators for undertaking such an important step in promoting male circumcision.
“These are leaders setting an example for their communities, their constituencies and the country as a whole. They can help create an environment in which being circumcised is the norm for men,” Mrs Norman said.
Mrs Norman said Zimbabwe needed to build momentum for male circumcision and if 1,2 million men were circumcised by 2015 the country could prevent about 750 000 new cases of HIV and Aids.
She urged more leaders, be they political, traditional, religious or secular, in business or in public service, to take up the challenge and lead Zimbabwe into an HIV-free era.
She said advantages of male circumcision include 60 percent protection from HIV, protection from penile and cervical cancer and the added bonus of improved hygiene.
Mrs Norman said every four circumcised men prevent one new HIV infection.
Health and Child Welfare Minister Dr Henry Madzorera said male circumcision was one of the proven and cost effective methods in preventing HIV that Government had adopted.
Minister Madzorera said parliamentarians made history as the first legislators to get circumcised.
“If our leaders are role models their communities could emulate the example shown today.
“I believe we can easily reach and surpass the targets that we have set ourselves to achieve,” he said.
Zipah chairperson Mr Blessing Chebundo, who was also circumcised, said the process was not as painful as he had feared.
He urged fellow legislators to go through the process.
“I feel proud! We have accomplished. I can go and speak proudly and urge others to do the same,” Mr Chebundo said.
Deputy Prime Minister Thokazani Khupe and Speaker of Parliament Lovemore Moyo who were also tested disclosed their status to fellow parliamentarians.
Both indicated that they tested negative and challenged fellow members to disclose their status whether positive or negative while giving testimonies in Africa Unity Square.
“I tested negative and I am lucky. I am saying this because we all do indulge,” Mr Moyo said drawing laughter from the crowd.
DPM Khupe said she was happy with her negative status and encouraged all Zimbabweans to be tested and live a healthy life.
The MPs started the programme with a procession from Parliament to Africa Unity Square where the HIV testing was being done.
Online Reporter