Tanzania: Residents Counseled to Undergo HIV Tests
Bukoba — RESIDENTS in Kagera region have been
challenged to undergo Voluntary Testing and Counselling for HIV/AIDS.
This follows reports that very few people go for voluntary HIV testing.
The HIV Co-ordinator at Zam Zam hospital, in Bukoba Municipality, Hellen Jeremiah disclosed that during 2011 a total of 20,972 people showed up for voluntary HIV testing, representing 8.6 per cent only.
She noted that through HIV testing people would know their health status and plan their lives without fear. According to Ms Jeremiah, Kagera Region has succeeded in reducing HIV infection rates from 17 to 3.7 per cent, an achievement which should be sustained.
She said these efforts should be strengthened to ensure the epidemic is eliminated completely. She called upon youths to be bold and test for their HIV status. Meanwhile, one person drowned in Lake Victoria while two others survived, after their canoe capsized due to strong winds.
Kagera Regional Police Commander (RPC) Henry Salewi identified the deceased as Gilbert Pantaleo (24) from Kemondo village, in Bukoba Rural district. He said on March 31, this year, three people were fishing along Mubembe fish landing site when their canoe was hit by a strong wave before capsizing.
He named those who survived the accident as Mugisha Alchard (28) and Kakuru Joseph(23), both from Kemondo village. He said the body of the late Pantaleo was recovered yesterday and handed over to his relatives for burial.
The HIV Co-ordinator at Zam Zam hospital, in Bukoba Municipality, Hellen Jeremiah disclosed that during 2011 a total of 20,972 people showed up for voluntary HIV testing, representing 8.6 per cent only.
She noted that through HIV testing people would know their health status and plan their lives without fear. According to Ms Jeremiah, Kagera Region has succeeded in reducing HIV infection rates from 17 to 3.7 per cent, an achievement which should be sustained.
She said these efforts should be strengthened to ensure the epidemic is eliminated completely. She called upon youths to be bold and test for their HIV status. Meanwhile, one person drowned in Lake Victoria while two others survived, after their canoe capsized due to strong winds.
Kagera Regional Police Commander (RPC) Henry Salewi identified the deceased as Gilbert Pantaleo (24) from Kemondo village, in Bukoba Rural district. He said on March 31, this year, three people were fishing along Mubembe fish landing site when their canoe was hit by a strong wave before capsizing.
He named those who survived the accident as Mugisha Alchard (28) and Kakuru Joseph(23), both from Kemondo village. He said the body of the late Pantaleo was recovered yesterday and handed over to his relatives for burial.
