Press Releases
New U.S.-Supported VCT Center to Benefit Zambian Police
Lusaka. June 17, 2009
Lusaka - U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Michael Koplovsky today handed over to the Zambia Police Service a new voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) center. The center is aimed at providing a conducive atmosphere for service men and women and members of the public to get tested and know their HIV status. Construction of the new center, valued at nearly two billion kwacha, was overseen by the U.S. Department of Defense, with funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The new VCT Center will create awareness about HIV/AIDS and hopefully drastically reduce new infections amongst members of the police service and people of Kamfinsa.
“The only way we can declare victory against HIV/AIDS is by agreeing to work together on a prevention focused strategy. Prevention is key,” said Koplovsky. “HIV/AIDS robs this nation of the fuel that powers a vibrant economy.”
“Preventing and defending against HIV/AIDS must become as much a part of every police person’s duties as preventing and defending against crime,” continued Koplovsky. “The greatest tragedy is that HIV infection need never happen at all if we all take responsibility to stop our risky behavior.”
Koplovsky said the VCT facility was one of many examples of the U.S. Government’s partnership with the Zambian people to build the capacity of Zambian health services.
Kamfinsa is the fourth VCT center supported by PEPFAR in the country, the others being State Lodge and Sikanze in Lusaka and Livingstone Police Headquarters.
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