Angola: STDs, HIV/Aids Counselling, Testing Centre Inaugurated

An STDs and Hiv/Aids Volunteer Counselling and Testing Centre was inaugurated Monday in Viana district by Luanda's deputy governor for social affairs, Francisca do Espírito Santo.

According to the official, Viana district has thus won one more hospital that has the potential to start the institution, following an effort that is part of the government's strategy of prevention and struggle against the disease.
The works have cost Usd 1,5 million and lasted about nine months. It comprises a consultation ward, a laboratory, a waiting lounge and will be served by eight health technicians to cater for about 20 patients a day.

In his turn, Medicus Mundi Catalunha representative, Ivan Zahinas, underlined that from the epidemiological point of view, Viana district is in a privileged position, as the rate of prevalence of Hiv is one of the lowest in Luanda.

According to him, health authorities are implementing a strong strategy of primary prevention based on awareness and education campaigns on the disease.

Meanwhile, the Volunteer Counselling and Testing Centre is a relevant element in the strengthening of the strategy of secondary prevention, taking into account that it will enable the knowledge of the state of health of the beneficiaries of the treatment as the National Institute of Struggle Against Aids has already started to prescribed anti-retroviral drugs.

Until December 2006, 26,698 cases of Hiv/Aids were notified by the Health Ministry that has up to now 89 volunteer counselling and testing centres, 18 of which in Luanda province.