GOVERNMENT TARGET TO REDUCE THE NEW ANNUAL HIV INFECTIONS FROM 46,000 TO LESS THAN 5,000 BY 2021.

Ministry of health says it has set a target to reduce the new annual HIV infections from 46,000 to less than 5,000 by 2021.

Speaking on behalf of Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya at the HIV self-testing dissemination meeting, Ministry of health spokesperson Dr Kennedy Malama says HIV-Self testing has the potential towards the achievement of the 2020 united nation’s target by ensuring that 90% of all people living with HIV know their status.

Dr. Chilufya says those diagnosed with the virus receive sustained anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and people receiving ART have durable viral suppression.

The Minister noted that achieving fast target requires effective leadership and enabling policy environment to scale up and accelerate access to HIV testing services which the ministry of health is providing.

And Dr Chilufya has disclosed that the 2016 WHO HIV self-Testing guidelines that are included in the national HIV Testing service guidelines’ providing additional approaches to HIV testing services.

He says self-testing should be offered as additional approach to HIV testing services.

Dr Chilufya adds that voluntary assisted partner notification services should be offered as part of a comprehensive package and care offered to people living with HIV.