SOUTH HAS 128,000 PEOPLE ON ARVS

ANDREW MUKOMA Writes@SunZambianMORE than 128,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Province were this year put on Anti-Retriviral Treatment (ART) while 229,000 accessed HIV Counselling and Testing (VCT) services, the Provincial Medical Office has announced.However, the Provincial Medical Office is still not happy that out of all those figures, men have continued to shun HIV/AIDS services.Southern Province Medical Officer, Namani Monze, said that this should be addressed in order to achieve the country’s goals and dreams.Dr Monze said the involvement of traditional leaders had given an impetus in the fight against HIV/AIDS and implored traditional rulers to include messages on HIV/AIDS in all the traditional ceremonies and rites.He said this during this year’s World AIDS Day commemoration held in Monze District.During the commemoration, Chief Choongo assured Government of traditional leaders’ support in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.Chief Choongo said traditional leaders were always eager to continue to help Government in efforts to combat HIV/AIDS across the country.He pointed out the need to sustain information of prevention messages, treatment and adherence for potent results in the fights against HIV/AIDS to be achieved.And Bread of Life Pastor Saviour Simasiku said it was wrong for any clergy to mislead people who were on ART to stop taking medication claiming prayer would heal them.He said any Bible believing preacher would not make people stop taking medication but that prayer and medication should be encouraged for people living with HIV/AIDS.