High-profile HIV testing call renewed

Zambian medical experts are again pushing for the nation's leaders to undergo mandatory HIV testing as a means of combating related stigma and discrimination. According to ANDnetwork, an online African news service, the latest calls were made despite President Levy Mwanawasa's concerns that the measure would be an infringement of individual right to privacy. However, Dr Mannasseh Phiri, chief medical officer of the 'Company Clinic' in Kitwe, in the Copperbelt province, said although testing was an individual choice, the participation of high-profile people could have a positive influence on the general public's perception of AIDS. "We want prominent people to play a major role in encouraging people to go for voluntary counselling and testing. Even if heads of state are HIV-positive, they would still be given a chance to rule as long as their health status is good," said Phiri.