Mash West nears universal access to ARVs

Blessings Chidhakwa Herald Correspondent
Mashonaland West province is nearing universal access to antiretroviral drugs for people who tested HIV positive, amid indications that all health centres are now dispensing the life-prolonging drugs in the province.

This, coupled with a stable supply of the drugs throughout the year, has seen most people tested being put on ARVs. The province has also seen a drastic reduction in the number of sexually transmitted infections this year. STI cases dropped to seven percent this year from 33 percent last year.

In a speech read on his behalf by Chegutu district medical director Dr Tonderai Nhende, acting provincial medical director Dr Gift Masoja said all health facilities in the province were now dispensing ARVs. He was speaking at provincial World Aids Day commemorations at Pfupajena Stadium last week, organised by the National Aids Council.

“All the clinics in this province never ran short of ARV’s throughout the year,” he said. “I am glad to announce that all clinics in this province can now do HIV and Aids tests, as well as those for tuberculosis.

“With cancer emerging as a major health concern in the country generally and also among people living with HIV, the province is now able to screen for non-communicable diseases.”

Dr Nhende expressed concern at the low number of men seeking medical attention.

“According to our statistics, men who are accessing health facilities are still few compared to their female counterparts,” he said.

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