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THE increase in HIV counselling and testing bodes well for Zimbabwe’s commendable fight against HIV and Aids, but what about the children?
The figures released by the National Aids Council in their 2013 annual report showing a massive leap of people taking up voluntary HIV counselling and testing is certainly a positive development.
It not only means that people have taken to heart messages on knowing their HIV status, but it also shows that more and more citizens are prepared to take responsibility for their health.
The report showed that the figures of people who took up voluntary testing in 2013 was an impressive 2 274 328 up from 1 150 933 in 2012.
With the system of client confidentiality in place at all voluntary testing centres which makes it difficult to track repeat clients, we should take into account that the number of tests carried out does not necessarily translate into direct numbers of people tested as one person could have more than one test in the period under review.
We also note with concern the high rise in STI rates for those seeking treatment for the first time and for repeat clients. In a country where we are reportedly spending billions on procurement of condoms annually that does not make sense.
But even with those points in mind, the steep rise in figures of people getting tested for HIV is still a positive development and is worth celebrating.
The related development of falling prevalence rates in all provinces except two is also a good sign.
However, we need to point out that just slightly over two million people in a country with a population over 13 million is just not good enough.
Only a 100 percent test uptake can help us in bringing down new infections to zero, which is the only way to achieve an HIV-free generation and ensure elimination of the virus.
It is quite tragic that with all the voluntary testing facilities including mobile ones available, there are still obviously so many people who do not know their HIV status.
Of deep concern are women who are still getting pregnant and giving birth without getting tested for HIV and thereby needlessly risking passing on the virus to their offspring yet there are drugs to prevent that.
Another point of worry is also the fact that many children do not have access to HIV testing as ethics and laws mean that minors below the age of 16 cannot access such services without the blessing of a parent or guardian.
As a result many infected children may not be getting access to ARVs and the all important counselling until it is too late for some.
It appears that many parents who have undergone HIV tests themselves are not willing to make sure that their children are also catered for.
NAC and all the other stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and Child Care have done a sterling job in rolling out awareness campaigns and ensuring the availability of ARVs, but perhaps it is time that they looked at the case of children.
We need specific policies which perhaps could encompass a multi-media campaign targeted at parents and guardians encouraging that all children get tested.
Online Reporter