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Misanet.com / National Mirror, 14 November - By Juliet Chibuta Going for an HIV test is one of the tasks that many people in Zambia will not do willingly. Many people spoken to say they are reluctant to go for the test, lest it comes out positive and this will mean living in perpetual fear of dying for the rest of their lives. Such people feel that they are better off not knowing their HIV sero status. John Mubita, who strongly opposes testing for HIV, wonders what difference it makes to know one¹s HIV sero status as the final destination of each individual is the grave. - We will all die eventually, so what is the fuss about knowing whether you are positive or not? I would rather remain ignorant than piling worries on myself, Mubita said. While some people continue dreading knowing their HIV sero status, there is a growing number of people today who have braved the fears attached to testing, who now know exactly where they stand as far as HIV/AIDS is concerned. Major Ken Siwandala (not real name), is one person who has taken the initiative of knowing his HIV sero status. Major Siwandala, who is HIV positive, took the brave step five years ago. "I did not fall ill, I just felt it was an important thing to do. And since I now know I am HIV positive, I am able to make right decisions concerning my life." - For example, since I discovered, I have not made a mistake of making my wife pregnant as that would lower her chances of survival. I also stopped smoking and drinking as these activities lower my immunity, he says. Major Siwandala, however, admits that it was not an easy decision to make as he faced a lot of opposition from close relatives and friends. He also faced a lot of opposition within himself as he kept on postponing the day for testing. "But I had already made up my mind and I went forward and did it. Before I was tested I was counselled extensively and that gave me courage to go on. I was not very shaken when the result came out positive," he says. Major Siwandala reveals that he could not have been enjoying good health hadn¹t he taken the decision of knowing his HIV sero status, adding that by now he could either have been critically ill or he could have died. "After I knew my HIV status, I went on a very good balanced diet which has helped boost my immunity, I stopped what doctors call risk behaviour, in this case I stopped having extra marital affairs which I know can expose me to other types of HIV. Immediately I knew my HIV status, I also started taking antiretroviral drugs, the HIV drugs which help boost the immunity of the body and prolong one¹s life. I actually look healthier and many people fail to believe me that I am HIV positive," the Major said while smiling. To myths of living in perpetual fear once one knows their HIV status, Major Siwandala says: "Ignorance and fear of the unknown seem to be killing people. In the first place before and after being tested for HIV, one goes through professional counselling. So it is actually foolish and irresponsible to be scared of going for a test," Major Siwandala said. Death is hardly on Major Siwandala¹s agenda right now. Despite the fact that he is living with HIV, he aspires to obtain a masters degree and later a doctorate degree in law. He has also ambitions to write a few novels. Worried about the growing number of myths attached to testing for HIV, the World Health Organisation in conjunction with the Zambian government has embarked on a programme called ProTEST, aimed at encouraging people to go for voluntary HIV testing and counselling. The ProTEST project in Zambia is coordinated by Dr Helen Ayles and has so far been introduced at Chawama Clinic and Matero Referral Health Centre. Dr Ayles, who is also involved in the Zambia Aids Related Tuberculosis (ZAMBART) project which encourages people to test for HIV and later be treated for TB in case they are found positive, agrees with Major Siwandala on the importance of testing for HIV. Dr Ayles says HIV positive people who know their HIV sero status, have a chance of living longer in life than those who decide to remain ignorant about their HIV status. "For example, we make sure that all the people who test positive get TB preventive therapy." - As you know TB is the greatest killer of people who are HIV positive. But once you know that you are HIV positive, there are drugs that you can take and they help in protecting you from contracting TB, Dr Ayles said. She said people who nowadays know their position as being HIV positive have an opportunity of also being treated of the sexually transmitted diseases and other inter current infections. Dr Kumwenda said testing and openly talking about one¹s HIV sero status helps lessen the stigma attached to HIV. "The more we test and openly talk about it, the less people will stigmatise those affected," Dr Kumwenda said. Zackie Achmat a renowned South African living positively with HIV is a living testimony of what Dr Kumwenda talks about. Achmat says the important part of living positively with HIV is not living secretly. "If you are suspecting yourself of being HIV positive, the only way to come to terms with it is to be open. Otherwise you live with stress of keeping quiet. That will kill you off much faster than any other virus. In the first place, it is important to go for an HIV test and know where you stand," Achmat says.
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