Health Reporter
Imagine, you are at the door of your favorite night club and the bouncer says,
“No HIV testing, no entry.”
Would you bolt or go ahead and test?
The National AIDS Council (NAC) has taken HIV testing to night spots in Muzarabani, targeting sex workers and their clients who shy away from daytime testing.
Under the moonlight, NAC offers HIV testing, cancer screening, and other health services.
“We noticed that sex workers don’t attend daytime awareness campaigns, and clients are uncomfortable getting tested in broad daylight,” said Richard Chasema, district AIDS coordinator.
During a recent night-time visit, over 100 individuals, including sex workers and clients, queued for services. Mary, a sex worker from Centenary, appreciated the night testing program.
“This program is commendable because sex workers are not comfortable seeking services during broad daylight,” Mary said.
Blessing, another sex worker, emphasized the importance of protecting herself through condom use. “As a single mother of three, I prioritize my health.”
John, who preferred anonymity, highlighted the need for self-testing kits, citing distant clinics. He also expressed concern about young teenagers engaging in sexual activities due to lack of entertainment.
“Children as young as 13 and 14 are resorting to sexual activities. We appeal to local leaders to organise sporting activities for our children,” John said.
NAC’s moonlight testing initiative recorded:
- 107 men and 67 women tested for HIV
- 4.2% positivity rate
- High demand for self-testing kits
- Prevalence of STIs among young teenagers.
Chasema described the inaugural moonlight testing as a success, targeting hotspots like Muzarabani’s growth point, Centenary, and St Albert business centre.
“We have clinics and health posts offering primary health care services to alleviate the challenge of long distances to clinics,” Chasema said.
Muzarabani’s HIV prevalence rate stands at 4.7%, with new infections at 0.07% and 0.03% for younger people.
Key Quotes:
- “This night testing programme is commendable because sex workers are not comfortable seeking services during broad daylight.”
- “As a single mother of three, I prioritize my health.”
- “Children as young as 13 and 14 are resorting to sexual activities. We appeal to local leaders to organise sporting activities for our children.”
- “We noticed that sex workers don’t attend daytime awareness campaigns, and clients are uncomfortable getting tested in broad daylight.”
Zim GBC News©2024