Kafue District Commissioner Maurice Hikapulwe has called for stakeholders’ involvement in addressing HIV infection in the area.

Mr. Hikapulwe notes that this is because the district has continued recording new HIV/AIDS infections among adolescents, young women, and persons with disabilities, a development that needs concerted efforts in implementing prevention programs.

He was speaking when he officiated the joint commemoration of World AIDS Day and International Day of Persons with disability in Kafue, respectively.   

“From the statistics that have been shared by the district health director the HIV prevalence rate of new HIV infections is quite higher among our adolescents, and young women including persons with disabilities,” said Mr. Hikapulwe.

He further disclosed that apart from high new HIV infections, the district has also recorded a rise in teenage pregnancies among school-going girls and  sexual gender-based violence (SGBV).

“Apart from high new HIV infections, the district has also recorded a rise in teenage pregnancies among the school-going girls and other sexual gender-based violence taking place,” Mr. Hikapulwe said.

 He further called for  the empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities for inclusive, accessible, and sustainable development, as envisaged in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 This year’s Worlds AIDS day was commemorated under the theme: “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right,”

On the other hand, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was held under the theme;” Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”