HIV programmes in Jiwaka hailed

Jiwaka keeps itself up to date with statistics on HIV/AIDS because of effective HIV-testing facilities and response programmes in place, an official says.
Provincial HIV response coordinator Kuk Gola told The National yesterday that people should not be shocked to hear that Jiwaka was ranked second in the country in terms of the number of people living with HIV.
“This reflects how effective HIV programmes are run in the province,” he said.
“International Organisations like Anglicare and Igat Hope are working very closely with the provincial HIV/AIDS programme managers.
“It’s a three-year programme. They are going into the communities and are working directly with the people there. The programmes are globally funded.
“In the past we detected HIV cases only through sick patients in the hospitals. But now, let me tell you: We have 24 voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centres in the province where people go for testing.”