Mauritius: Minister of Health and Wellness, Anil Kumar Bachoo commemorated World AIDS day by launching Self-Test Kit, HIV testing Guidance and Guidelines. The HIV kits were launched, this morning at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port-Louis.
The Minister of Health and Wellness has shared that the introduction of the HIV Self-Test Kit was a game changer. The Minster believes that it serves as a significant step forward in empowering people to take charge of their health.
The Minster said that the people in need of the HIV testing kits can easily access these instruments. Further, it provides a more private and convenient method of knowing the status of HIV in their body.
The kits are a more preferable instrument as compared to the traditional testing options. Minister Bachoo talked about the initiative in his address. He said that through this innovative approach, the Government was promoting the importance of HIV testing to have a better quality of life.
The Minster said that the measure was a proof of the government’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of all Mauritians. The government also wants to make sure that they can make sure that no one was left behind.
The kits will be available at the HIV and Harm Reduction Unit of the Ministry, in Health Care centres, to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and to private pharmacies.
Besides, the Health Minister expressed gratitude to all healthcare providers and all those engaged in the fight against HIV and AIDS, emphasising that their commitment helped to save many lives.
The theme of the World AIDS Day 2024 was ‘Take the Right Path: My Health, My Right!’
The Minister said that the theme was a reminder that every person had the right to dignity. At the same time, the theme is a call to action and an appeal to the world to eliminate barriers preventing access to care and support needed.
The Minster of Health informed the attendants of the launch event that there was currently an estimated number of 12,455 people living with HIV. Further he said that people that are being recorded for drug use was still on the rise.
“Over the past five years, an average of 316 new HIV cases has been reported annually,” he added.
Minister Bachoo has acknowledged that Mauritius had made significant strides in the fight against HIV. They are also responsible for the rolling out of universal health coverage.
The government has also given the people provision of a variety of HIV health services. They said that that targeted HIV prevention programme had led more people to know about their status. This has helped in ensuring early detection and timely treatment.