press releases
U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer Brings Mobile VCT to Choma District
ChomaNovember 6, 2006
From November 6-10, 2006, the Simakutu Catchment Area in Choma District will host the first Rural Mobile HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Push Event. The five-day event will make Mobile VCT available to over 30 villages in Choma District. Planners will combine VCT, HIV/AIDS education, and entertainment into an effective program for rural communities. U.S. Peace Corps volunteer Natalie Gill, along with the Simakutu HIV/AIDS Support Group, conceived this unique event. The Peace Corps HIV/AIDS prevention program is the largest of its kind in the world, engaging American volunteers throughout Zambia in prevention work.
Headmen representing over 30 villages strongly support the VCT program. A recent survey in the area showed that 90% of the local population had never been tested for HIV, but that 86% wanted to be tested. This event makes testing easier by bringing the Counseling and Testing professionals into the community for the first time.
Invited speakers include the Choma District Commissioner; U.S. Peace Corps HIV/AIDS Project Director, Cynthia Bowa; the District Director of Health, Chief Singani; and the District AIDS Task Force UN Volunteer, Clement Moonga. Performing artists Mashombe Blue Jeans and Runnel will also be performing and promoting VCT. The five-day program will also include positive living speakers from NZP+ as well as youth activist organization representatives who will be addressing HIV prevention, transmission, anti-stigma and treatment.
Testing will be conducted throughout the event by Kara Counseling and CHAMP VCT units. Other organizations supporting the event are the National Association for the Prevention of Starvation (NAPS), Health Communications Partnership Choma (HCP), Kara Counseling, CHAMP, NZP+, Youth Activists Organization (YAO), Choma District AIDS Task Force, Choma Office of the District Commissioner, and Choma District Health Office.
For more information, contact Natalie Gill at 097 489 667.
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