adminPatient Sibanda Chronicle Reporter
ZIMBABWEANS were yesterday urged to get tested for HIV so that they know their status. At an event to commemorate World Aids Day which is marked on December 1 yearly yesterday at OK Mart in Bulawayo, OK Zimbabwe Limited chief executive officer Willard Zireva said this year’s commemorations are being held at a time when the country is hosting the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa.
A march was held from Bulawayo’s Basch street terminus to OK Mart and representatives from Musasa Project, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council and Cimas among others were present during the commemorations.
“I’m sure you’ll recall that it’s been my prayer and burning desire in previous World Aids Day presentations that getting to know your status is, in my opinion, one of the most empowering actions one can take in this fight,” said Zireva.
He said the company was demonstrating its solidarity and support for people living with HIV and AIDS and remembering those who have died in an endeavour to create conditions conducive to an AIDS-free generation through various initiatives and interventions such as the march in Bulawayo.
“We’re urging you to take this personally and to play your part. It’s against this background that OK Zimbabwe Limited has undertaken this initiative today and will continue doing so to promote and perpetuate HIV and AIDS awareness not only to our staff and their dependents but to the nation at large,” said Zireva.
He said after realising that their employees were faced by life threatening conditions, they introduced a comprehensive and integrated employee wellness initiative. As part of that initiative, 2,869 employees of OK Zimbabwe went for counselling and testing for HIV, more than 1,600 employees and their dependents were screened for diabetes and blood pressure, 720 women were screened for cervical cancer among others.
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