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Manicaland Correspondent
THE uptake of HIV self-test kits has increased in Manicaland, especially among youths, the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) has said.

Speaking at the inaugural family planning forum held in Mutare last week, ZNFPC provincial marketing and communications officer Mr Daniel Maromo said they were encouraging the use of HIV self-testing kits in tertiary institutions.

“The national rollout programme has focused on increasing access to HIV self-testing kits among young adults who are sexually active,” he said.

“The idea of having self-testing kits on a shop counter or in a healthcare centre has helped demystify and destigmatise HIV transmission and paediatric HIV care.

“Some young people are afraid of visiting public testing centres, but life has been made easier by the introduction of self-testing kits.”

Representatives of people living with disability said self-testing kits should also be availed to them.

They said people living with disabilities have to be included since they find it difficult to access centres where HIV testing services are offered.

Mr Maromo promised to take the services to the mentally challenged people.

“Mentally challenged people are sexual beings,” he said. “They need to be included in the family planning services since family planning is for everyone.

“Families and guardians of these people must be engaged for better results.”

Mr Maromo said ZNFPC would unveil emergency contraceptives for free, especially in tertiary institutions where the majority of the students shy away from using long-term methods.