Overwhelming response to HIV tests in Gweru
OVER 1 000 people were last week tested for HIV in Gweru, half of whom were male while 52 were circumcised during a one-day mass HIV testing and counselling exercise that was mainly targeting school drop outs and unemployed youths. National Aids Council (NAC) Midlands Aids co-ordinator Mr Mambewu Shumba said over 3 000 people turned up for the voluntary HIV testing and counselling exercise.

Mr Shumba said the exercise was conducted concurrently with a music gala held in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, National Aids Council (NAC), BEAT Aids Zimbabwe, Gweru City Health Department, Population Services International (PSI), Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council, artistes and other implementing partners.

He said there was an overwhelming response to HIV testing, counselling and male circumcision.

Mr Shumba said the majority of the people who were tested on the day were between 15 and 35 years of age, the age group which has also recorded the highest new incidence rate.

“Over 3 000 people showed up on the day and 1 024 were tested for HIV of which 20 were couples. Half of this number was male while 52 men were circumcised on the day. Most people who were tested were between 15 and 35 years, an age group which has also recorded the highest incidence rate.

“We were mainly targeting this age group for that reason,” he said.

Mr Shumba said most young people were afraid of falling pregnant than contracting HIV, a development which had led to an increased rate in new incidences among youths.