11%
N/A
NA
Source: SPECTRUM
11%
94%
98%
Source: SPECTRUM
Dr. Rhoda Mkandawire
District Health Director
P.O. Box 50827, Lusaka
+260 977 420737
“We are happy that the government is able to provide ART for my husband. The Health facility provides counselling every time I collect medication for him. I am happy that I’m undetectable, we are attended to very quickly and we don’t know and haven’t experienced anything negative that other people face at the health facility. In the community, stigma is not completely gone, as such only our parents and very close relatives know about my status.”
“The Quality of care PLHIV has improved because of support groups. We have formed groups of 4-6 people and these collect ART on rotation basis. Community leaders need to take part in HIV related issues. In instances were some is defaulting they need to take up that responsibility because most counsellors come from far places.”
“The Test and Treat Challenge has seen a number of interventions intensified from all angles. Strategic Partners are providing integrated Health Care Service delivery for the community; this includes a number of interventions for both adults and Adolescents. The Lusaka District HIV and AIDS Committee (DHAC) monitors most of the HIV Testing Services within the city and realizes that in the communities more women are accessing the HTS unlike their counterpart the men who test by proxy. Deliberate interventions targeting men are being implemented in some of our communities. Examples are the Men’s clinic at our famous SOWETO market and the Fast Track clinic at Government Health Facilities. These clinics are managed by men and for the men and they are conducted on Saturdays.”
“The fight to end AIDS as a public health threat is within arm’s reach. However, in order to win this fight, we must remain united in our efforts, commitment and dedication to be responsible for each other. This requires continuous inclusion of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations, close engagement with civil society organizations that speak for the diverse communities that are affected by HIV and most importantly policy change that is progressive towards the fight against HIV.”
“Compared to years back, things have changed. We used to see a lot of Stigma and Discrimination but now the situation has really changed. For now, information on HIV is being disseminated through supports and Adolescent Friendly Space. I would like to see the staff at the clinic working together with support groups during outreach programs.”
