By Reagan Malumo
Katima Mulilo
The involvement of male citizens in combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic came under the spotlight in the Caprivi Region during the commemoration of World AIDS Day over the weekend.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, out of a total of 12 000 people that have been tested for HIV/AIDS in the Caprivi, only 30 percent are men. Out of 2 600 people put on antiretroviral treatment, only 35 percent are men.
Because of the irregular involvement of men in issues of HIV/AIDS, the theme for this year’s World AIDS Day commemoration in the Caprivi was “Men take lead to care”.
Addressing the public at Katima Mulilo over the weekend, Acting Governor of the Caprivi Region and Councillor of Kabbe constituency Peter Mwala said despite a slight decrease in the region’s HIV/AIDS infection rate from 42 percents to 39.4 percent, the region has the highest infection rate in the country.
Mwala said the 2006 sentinel survey showed an increase in the national HIV prevalence rate. He said nearly every day, about 40 people get infected with the virus throughout the country. Treatment for those infected is costly and thus prevention is vital.
“This prevention is through education, information and communication campaigns to increase people’s knowledge on how to prevent HIV transmission,” Mwala reiterated.
He called on all men and leaders to lead by example by going for testing and building trust within their relationships. He said men should care for their families and community members both affected and infected. He called on them to take the lead in free and open communication about HIV/AIDS in order to reduce stigma and discrimination and to equip children with information that they need to stay safe from the HIV/AIDS virus.
By taking the lead, they would promote consistent condom use and the reduction of multiple and concurrent partnerships and thus encourage responsible behaviour and respect between partners.
He stated that the overall objective of the World AIDS Day campaign from 2005 to 2010 is to give leaders the opportunity to show that they are serious about delivering on promises regarding the HIV/AIDS pandemic. These include increased involvement in HIV prevention efforts and the provision of universal treatment and access to services by 2010.
The event was marked with lots of poems, drama and religious songs.
The international theme for this year’s World AIDS Day was “Leadership” whereas the national theme was “Leadership is being there to care”.
According to Mwala, it is the wish of the campaign that leaders at all levels and sectors of society get involved in the national responses on HIV/AIDS prevention, thereby fostering behaviour change.