Minister calls on Zambia's men to take HIV/AIDS test
02/07/2009
Health minister Kapembwa Simbao is calling on men to consider taking HIV/AIDS tests to help support their families.
The Times of Zambia reports that Mr Simbao believes that more husbands should set an example and encourage their relatives to take part in HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counselling and Testing.
He stressed that the male head of the family could play an important part in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS in Zambia by becoming more involved in HIV/AIDS awareness projects.
"However, male involvement in HIV programmes is still minimal. This creates a big gap considering that men are the major decision-makers even in behavioural change," explained the minister.
At present, just 15 per cent of Zambians are aware of their current HIV status despite it being vital to reducing the spread of the virus.
UAIDS estimates that around 15.2 per cent of Zambians aged 15 to 49 are living with HIV. 
