Northern Province records 2% rise in HIV rate among adolescent ad young people
By Japhet Munkondya
Kasama—Government has noted a marginal increase in the number of adolescents and young people testing positive for HIV in Northern Province.
Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao, said the province recorded a 2 percent increase in the rate of positive HIV cases among adolescents and young people in the province last year.
He said the province recorded a 20 percent HIV positive rate among adolescents and young people last year, compared to 18 percent in 2022.
Mr Mbao added that other statistics also indicate that there has been a rise in new HIV infections among adolescents in the nation.
He said 24 percent of the population are adolescents, and a large proportion of new infections, up to 29 percent, account for adolescent and young people aged 10–24 years.
Mr Mbao said this in a speech read on his behalf by Northern Province Public Health Specialist Dr. Paul Mayeya during the joint commemoration of HIV Testing, Counselling, and Treatment (HTCT) Day and Blood Donors Day in Kasama.
The minister said about 65,437 people are estimated to be living with HIV in the province, 64,680 know their status, and 63,584 of those who know their HIV status are on treatment.
He has, however, reiterated the government’s commitment to include everyone in the HIV national response.
Mr Mbao said the test-and-treat strategy that the government is implementing has helped to break many barriers that previously hindered HIV interventions.
He said test and treat eliminates delays in commencing anti-retroviral therapy, especially in rural areas where people do not have access to adequate laboratory facilities.
Mr Mbao said blood transfusion is a life-saving therapy for people suffering from various life threatening health conditions that require blood transfusion and blood products.
He said government recognises the important role that blood donors play in the nation through voluntary blood donation.
Mr Mbao urged every citizen to be part of lifesavers through the donation of blood.
And Kasama Mayor Theresa Kolala, who was represented by Buseko Ward Councillor Angel Musonda, said this year’s national theme for HIV testing, counselling, and treatment resonates well with the nation’s shared goal of securing a future free from the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS.
Mrs. Kolala said every person should ensure that they are in good health so that they can make informed decisions that not only protect themselves but also safeguard the community.
She said those who have not tested before should take advantage of this important day to test for HIV so that they can know their status.
She said the community should work together with the government to ensure the availability of blood supplies in health facilities through the voluntary donation of blood.
She also thanked those who have been donating blood to the blood bank for many years, as they have contributed positively to saving lives in hospitals.
The commemoration were held under the theme: Free your mind! Test for HIV today secure your future.
ZANIS
