New drive to encourage joint HIV tests
29/06/2009
A new initiative has been launched to help couples take joint HIV tests in order to raise awareness and prevent further spread of the virus.
The so-called Love Test has been launched by PSI and will initially be promoted in Swaziland but if successful could involve a number of other countries including Zambia.
Sipho Dlamini, manager for PSI Swaziland, explained to the Swazi Observer: "We had a problem with people testing alone. They would be counselled and know all about how to live with HIV."
However, they were often afraid of revealing their status to their partners and this led to increased transmission between couples.
He added that the joint testing approach means that couples can now receive the appropriate counselling and learn more about how to deal with the situation by seeking the correct treatment.
PlusNews recently reported that Zambian authorities are hoping to improve infant mortality rates in the country by increasing the number of routine tests of child. 
