The Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised people living with the HIV virus in the country to desist from taking alcohol and any other harmful drugs and ensure that they take their Anti retroviral (ARVs) drugs.
The Ministry of Health Spokesperson Kamoto Mbewe said it was very unfortunate that there were some people who smoked and took alcohol while on treatment.
Dr. Mbewe told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka on Friday that taking alcohol and other harmful drugs would make those living with the virus not respond well to treatment and advised them to adhere to prescribed treatment.
He said sticking to ARVs will make them live long enough and contribute effectively to the country’s economic development.
Dr. Mbewe said people living with the virus have lived long enough and significantly contributed to the nation’s welfare.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mbewe has urged people in the country especially in rural areas to desist from shunning Voluntary Testing and Counselling (VCT).
He added that the Ministry of Health wants a lot of people to know their status even though it was voluntary.
Dr. Mbewe said members of the public needed to know that HIV was not a death sentence like what other people were portraying it to be.
He said the Ministry of Health has intensified its sensitisation campaigns on the importance of VCTs especially in rural areas.
There have been reports of people shunning to go for VCT in some parts of Lusaka, the latest being in Chipata.
ZANIS
The Leaders of the country should show example by going for VCT first like what Zuma did in South Africa. RB and all opposition party leaders should all go and the rest will follow.
Tell George Kunda to adhere to ARVs
#2,I agree with you 100%, our leaders have to set the example and not rush off to R.S.A for every small ailment! So Mr. George Kunda there you have it, take enough rest, no unprotected casual sex, take medicine consistently and regularly and live a positive lifestyle!
Good advice Dr Mbewe. Still remember our good times at UTH.
HK
Seattle, WA
#2 we know you don t think u are clever, your hatret for other tribes will continue causing u problems. watch yourself and your actions as u leave Moz back to Zambia we are watching you.
#5, what is your point,has #2 talked of any tribes,so you think you are clever…lol..! he just advised our vice preesident to lead by example by going for testing, what tribalism is in that, he dint event mention about the hatred for other tribes, ur reasoning is poor my brother and so is ur judgement. Comment when it is appropriate. Yes Kunda and RB must lead by example even the opposition, Instead of always flying to S.A they should just get tested and start the medicine in time
Pinky # 6, thanks for reminding Wapya Munzi # 5 that my comment did not boarder on tribal lines. # 5, be reminded that any similarity between you and a human is purely coincidental.