Chronicle Editor
From Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
THE GOVERNMENT is considering introducing log books at ports of entry and at every district countrywide to monitor the movement of truck drivers and commercial sex workers who are deemed key in stopping the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa told journalists at a press conference soon after the close of the 67th World Health Organisation regional committee for Africa here last Friday that there is a need to intensify strategies to deal with STIs and HIV/ Aids.
“The issue of truck drivers is a big issue not only in relation to STIs but to HIV/ Aids as well. Truck drivers are among the major clients of commercial sex workers hence the need to find how best to assist them,” he said.
Dr Parirenyatwa said a log book will help in coming up with trends on people’s movements as well as possible loopholes that result in the spread of some diseases.
“We need to address this at district level especially at growth points. District Aids Committees should be very active in that regard and maybe we can consider the issue of having a log book like they do in Thailand.
“The log book will be used to record everyone who passes by, where they sleep and who they are with,” he said.
WHO regional director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti urged member states to continue working on HIV and Aids preventive measures.
“There is a need intestify interventions,” she said.
Delegates who were drawn from 42 countries deliberated on collaborative efforts to fight HIV, polio, yellow fever and other communicable and non-communicable diseases which are also a challenge. — @ncubeleon
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