United States Presidential Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) will be offering free health screening services to members of the public along First Street in Harare during the Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA) set to kick off tomorrow.
PEPFAR which started in 2003 has committed $150 million in 2018 to support the Government of Zimbabwe’s National response to HIV and AIDS, said US embassy Acting Public Affairs Officer, Stacy Lomba.
“The public will also receive health and wellness information as well as access services from PEPFAR partners supported through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). HIV testing and counseling services will be provided free on site,” said Lomba.
For the third year running, the United States will provide a platform for its partners to reach out to the public at the intersection of First Street and George Silundika Avenue.
HIFA has also retained its First Street stage which provides free shows from local and international artists every day during the festival under the theme “Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free.”
According to Lomba, PEPFAR will also provide high-impact prevention, care, and treatment interventions including cervical cancer screening at their First Street stand.
“This is a huge opportunity for accessing antiretroviral therapy for those who test HIV positive in line with the “Test and Treat Strategy” being implemented by the government of Zimbabwe,” said Lomba.
Since its inception in 1999, HIFA has received recognition for its support of arts and culture in Zimbabwe and is seen as a major contributor to development in this area.
The festival is now the largest cultural event in Zimbabwe and among the eight major festivals in Africa.
