Mkushi District Council Chairperson Melson Chilemu says continued stigma and discrimination are the leading cause of low levels of HIV/AIDS testing in the area.

Mr Chilemu says the trend has been discouraging many people from voluntary HIV/AIDS testing as a result.

Speaking during the launch of the World Aids Day celebration held under the theme: “Take the right path ” the district Commissioner said that owing to this, many residents in this District are unaware of their HIV/AIDS status.

He however said that  some significant strides  were being made in reducing the number of HIV infection cases through  the access to anti-retro viral therapy (ART).

Mr Chilemu said that these gains deserved to be complemented by collective efforts from government departments , civil societies , the church and traditional leaders, among others

“I am urging all players from Governmental, Non-Governmental, faith based and residents in general to get involved in the fight against stigma and discrimination as we unite in the response against HIV and AIDS”, he said.

And Mkushi Health Director Kelvin Sinkala stressed on the need to focus on prevention and compassion in the course of unpacking this year’s theme.

Dr Sinkala said that apart from choosing prevention over risk, there is need for more advocacy to promote equitable access to health care.

The District currently has 11,721 cases who are receiving Anti retro viral therapy, he said adding that there was still need to break stigma and embrace compassion so that many can test for HIV and know their status.

Strengthening of partnerships and collaboration amongst all stakeholders is another avenue that could give impetus to the fight against HIV/AIDS, he said.

Dr Sinkala emphasized that every decision is important in the fight against this pandemic, explaining that this encompasses the individual, the health worker as well as the policymakers.