A local youth Organization, Peace Setters has condemned the ongoing compulsory HIV/AIDS counselling and testing in some Primary Schools in the High Density suburb of Dzivarasekwa, Harare.
By Philemon Jambaya
In a statement, Peace setters said that it is illegal and inhuman to force pupils to get tested against their will. The Organization argues that HIV/AIDS tests should be done on voluntary basis.
“We are troubled by the claims and reports that some primary schools in Dzivarasekwa, in collaboration with a local organization and a health institution are undertaking a series of HIV/AIDS testing to primary school children who are below the age of 16.
“We note the seriousness of problems which the HIV/AIDS pandemic is concomitant to. However we are of the view that forcing someone to undergo medical testing is a direct violation of their privacy and rights. HIV-testing should always be on voluntary basis, if we want to see the required results,” read part of the statement.
The statement added that tests should be supported by counselling .
“In our long held view VCT includes good-quality pretest and post-test counselling and proper referral to follow-up services, which enable clients to (1) prepare for the possibility that the test results could be positive; (2) carefully prepare strategies to mobilize support from a potentially hostile social environment; and (3) become acquainted with the concept of “living positively with HIV” AND to this end Pacesetters Youth Network notes with concern that the process being undertaken in Dzivarasekwa will bring more problems for both the kids, parents and guardians who are not prepared to deal with results of the test,” said PYN.
Parents who spoke to 263chat said that it is illegal to have their children tested on compulsory basis. They vowed to sue the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for violating their children’s rights.
Parents claimed that this will cause trauma and increase discrimination amongst pupils.
“The Ministry of education has to be sued for violating children’s rights, we are now at an advanced stage, dragging the Minister and his Ministry to court, this will increase discrimination in schools, it has to be stopped” Said Martha Marange.
Another parent questioned Minister Lazarus Dokora’s policies which he said are against the people.
“We do not know where the Minister of education is getting his policies, just yesterday he introduced national pledge , today he is introducing forced HIV/AIDS testing in schools. We really wonder where he is getting all this from.” Queried Mathew Tafirenyika.
Efforts to Speak to Dr Dokora Proved fruitless as his mobile phone was not being answered.
