Chronicle Editor
Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
Hundreds of Mhondoro residents received various health services, including HIV testing, dental and cervical cancer screening at the National Aids Council HIV and Aids Musical Gala. The galas have become a one-stop event for health services where various tests and services are offered for free. About 300 people were tested for HIV and Aids, with those found positive being initiated on Anti-retroviral therapy.
This is in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines adopted by Government to immediately put on ART anyone found positive. Those found with other health complications were referred for further attention. NAC Mashonaland West provincial coordinator Mr Agrippa Zizhou said the integrated outreach programme through galas was yielding positive results, as most people shunned institutions owing to fear of stigma.
“We are using a new thrust in our HIV and Aids Musical Galas to look at the health welfare of the general public and this time around we have included other health services such as dental and eye examination, TB screening and the other traditional services that we have been offering,” he said.
“These also include cervical cancer screening, voluntary male circumcision and HIV testing and counselling.” In future, he said, NAC will move to offer cancer services to the general public during the musical galas. This comes as the burden of cancer is growing owing to the correlation with HIV and Aids. Chief Mashayamombe (Mr Ignatius Chiketa), hailed NAC for bringing health services to the community.
“Most people have challenges getting money to seek medical attention for various challenges,” he said.
“We have a challenge of commercial sex workers here at Mubaira Growth Point, which has often led to divorce, with the commercial sex workers saying some of the married women are competing with them for clients.” He said hardly a month passes without him hearing cases of divorce premised on infidelity. Musician Andy Muridzo, who performed a the event, said the galas helped to spread information on health, as musicians appealed to many people.
“As artistes, we have a way of conveying a message in a way that appeals to the people,We are the voice that is heard by the people.” he said. Other musicians Blessing Shumba, Hwindi President and Seh Calaz also performed at the well attended gala.
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