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Mwinyi: New plans needed in HIV/Aids war
2006-03-16 09:14:29
By Lydia Shekighenda
Retired President Ali Hassan Mwinyi has urged HIV/Aids stakeholders to formulate clear strategies and practical approaches aimed at helping to reduce the rate of new infections.
Speaking at an HIV/Aids review meeting in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Mwinyi said the new strategies and approaches would bring notable difference in the war against the scourge.
’’We know from the early days that this epidemic is preventable and that was the focus of our interventions, but we are still seeing high incidences of new infections,’’ he said.
Stakeholders should take this as a challenge in efforts to combat the disease, Mwinyi added.
He said one of the main underlying factors of the increasing rate of new infections was shying away from addressing the problem of HIV infections.
’’By shying away we are misdirecting our efforts and resources into many interventions that are not effective,’’ he said.
He said people should talk openly with their children in their families, youths in schools and discuss the epidemic with seriousness it deserves in forums and other appropriate occasions.
’’It is better we talk about it and serve our generation rather than shying away and lose the generation,’’ the former head of state said.
He urged stakeholders to continue strengthening care and support to people living with HIV/Aids.
Mwnyi reminded them that prevention of the new infections should not change their intention to care for and support those who were already affected.
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