WAMA Chairperson lays stress on men's role in HIV testing, counselling, March 29, 2010

By Lusekelo Philemon, Arusha

WAMA Chairperson, Mama Salma Kikwete has called on men to participate fully in the fight against HIV/AIDS by accompanying their spouses for voluntary counselling and testing.

She made the call recently when she visited a care and treatment centre (CTC) in Monduli District being built by an American NGO, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Foundation (EGPAF). WAMA and EGPAF works together on PMTCT (Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission) Project.

She said the HIV prevalence rate in the country would go down if men are effectively involved in the fight against the epidemic.

“Men should take their role to encourage their counterparts to go for voluntary testing. Under the current situation men are reluctant to go for testing, a moves which frustates the war against HIV/AIDs” she said

WAMA Chairperson said that it was high time men in the country came forward and practically fought against the diseases.

She commended EGPAF medical practitioners at the Monduli District Hospital and CTC for providing free counselling and testing services.

During the visit , the First Lady donated 2m/= for children and women group( WAWAVUM) living with HIV/AIDS.