Testing week targets 250 000

The Ministry of Health says it targets to test 250 000 people during the HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) week currently running.

The ministry’s spokesperson Henry Chimbali said on Tuesday, the campaign, which began on Monday, is going on well.

“We are targeting 250 000 people this year. We last had a similar week in 2008, but we did not meet the targets then. This year, we have done everything to reach our set targets,” said Chimbali.

Wilson Mbwana of Majawa Village, who was tested when Auction Holdings Limited (AHL) conducted tests at Mayaka in Zomba, said he makes it a point to know his sero status.

“I have had six tests so far. The only problem is that it is difficult for people in rural areas to get voluntary testing and counselling. The hospitals are far,” said Mbwana.

Noting the problem, Chimbali said the ministry is working on making VCT easily accessible.

“We have mobile clinics for under-five and family planning services. We are also conducting door-to-door tests to bridge the gap,” said Chimbali.

The theme for this year’s HTC campaign, which ends on August 10 2012, is ‘Get tested for HIV Today, Plan your Future.”