Mkapa bows out with impassioned plea over HIV/AIDS

In a speech to Tanzanians broadcast live nationwide on radio and television on Wednesday, President Benjamin Mkapa bid the country farewell with a plea to all citizens to establish their HIV status, saying the deadly disease was wreaking havoc in the country. "AIDS is wiping us out," he said. "Day after day, parents bury their children instead of children burying their parents." The monthly nationwide address, made coincidentally on the eve of the World HIV/AIDS Day, was the president's last as the country prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections on 14 December. Mkapa is not eligible for re-election, as he already has served two five-year terms as stipulated in the country's constitution. Mkapa urged the citizens to change their behaviour in order to arrest the spread of HIV/AIDS in the East African nation. "In many cases, we see energetic parents falling sick, diminishing family resources and finally leaving behind orphans with nothing to rely on," he said. The president implored people to go for voluntary HIV testing so as to be able to make wise decisions. Those who are infected with the virus, Mkapa said, would be able to avail themselves of life-prolonging drugs. Those with negative results would be reminded to protect themselves and maintain their status. A recent government survey showed that about 7 percent of Tanzanian adults, or two million people, were HIV-positive. Mkapa advised the citizenry to make informed decisions about their treatment options. "The most reliable strategy is to go for scientifically proven methods," he said. "The antiretroviral drugs do not cure AIDS, but will just help to prolong life." Regarding the elections, Mkapa urged voters to exercise their free will and to resist any pressure to influence their choice. "Your vote is a symbol of your dignity, will and respect," he said. "Don't be afraid because the good thing about your vote is that it is going to be your secret. Therefore, vote according to your conscience." The elections, initially scheduled for 30 October, were postponed following the death of the presidential running mate from an opposition party. "It is important to elect a leader based on his or her quality and the quality of their parties," Mkapa maintained. "Not because he or she gave you something or promised your anything during campaigns."