What's your comment on the mandatory HIV testing which has replaced Voluntary, Counselling and Testing?

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 10:50:42 +0000

Is it a right step in the right direction?

(1) Strongly Agree
(2) Agree
(3) Strongly Disagree
(4) Disagree
(5) Don’t know

Mwendabai Mbonabi: I see, that’s why we have a lot of rejected ballot papers during elections. The question is very simple, but check your answers!

Mutelo Katota II: HIV testing has always been done whenever you visit any health centre for your ailment, only difference is that they never told you, now they will give you the results. It’s a step in the right direction.

Emmanuel Ebenezer Makaliki: I think the move is ok, but how much of stigma will it bring? And I am sure this will affect the work policy in most institutions as employers may now demand that employees be tested and results be presented to management in the name of caring for the employees.

Wells Milambo: In some hospitals if you are admitted, they test you without your consent. And should you test positive then appropriate measures are done. They then counsel you upon telling you the results. Well, to some extent this move will not save some lives as some would deteriorate healthwise when tested positive. But then what is important as families is to develop health seeking behaviours and that’s what I call development! Health is a serious issue and should be taken seriously by ALL.

Lumbani Chabinga: I strongly agree. People should know their status. It being mandatory doesn’t mean it won’t be confidential. Once someone knows their status they will be able to make informed decisions on their life …once found+ they avoid smoking and drinking henceforth prolonging life.

Christian Kasumba: If we can agree that there are no human rights in Zambia, then this would be a right step in the right direction, otherwise we may appear to be a confused, inconsistent people. What do we stand for? Honestly, how can we claim to uphold human rights while on the other hand we are forcing people on personal issues like health matters? It’s like saying yes and no at the same time to one question.

Risky Caesar Hamalala: It’s one outrageous step, highly unethical, I fear patients’ right to consent will not be respected any longer. There could have better ways to address the issue of HIV testing. This barbaric act will put all well-meaning health personel in jeopardy. Ethics yakanga. I wonder whether there were consultations before issuing such directives by President Lungu

Niven Kambobe: Indeed, it is a right step in the right direction. It will reciprocate to sexual behaviour change among citizens which is good trying to gain back our lost glory (a healthy nation)

Aaron Jacob Mutammbo: I strongly agree with this. Low CD4 is not friendly if you do not know your status. Moreover, HIV is no longer a secret. It has become normal and a way of life for many. One million have already died of HIV according to the minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya if not mistaken. This should call for extraordinary action.

Fortune Richman Phiri: Sure it is a right move by the Head of State, moreover if only kept as a secret between the doctor and the patient. People need to understand that it’s their health problems and no wonder they drive them to hospitals or clinics to seek medical attentions and so why would someone criticise being examined for sicknesses so as to help the doctor to prescribe for which treatment to offer. #100 percent supportive

Ben Real: It’s a very good step at least it will enable one to know their status…Believe you me, it will reduce the spread of HIV. You know most people just hear about it without understanding what it really is; so it’s a good step because people will be educated on HIV just like the way it is with malaria.. Can’t you see malaria cases are decreasing in our country? It is because people are taught on how to look after themselves and fight malaria….So it’s a good step and it should be accepted by everyone.

Joseph Pac Zenith Kolala: This motion will create discrimination in Zambian where by any person will be known to be sick and many will be dying due to fear of testing for HIV/AIDS even when that person has malaria. They’ll be fearing to go to the clinic due to the HIV/AIDS test that will be conducted. That’s my view and I strongly disagree.

Nico Mwanachunga: We are done with compulsory HIV testing, kwasala compulsory DNA testing so that we know which children belong to whom. Men are tired of keeping children that do not belong to them. Too much cheating pa ZED.

Shadreck Mwanza Jr.: HIV testing compulsory now in Zambia, meaning by force by fire whether you like it or not you will be tested whenever you go to the hospital or clinic for other illness or visiting patients. It’s a welcome move though.

Sakati Ephraim Sakati: No it’s not a step in the right direction. You’ll just be sending people to their early graves. If it’s difficult for some people to accept when found positive, how much more will they take it when their status is availed to them forcibly? You’ll just cause some weak souls to commit suicide. I strongly disagree.