VCT Day 2011
on Rob Wootton (Zambia), 30/Jun/2011 17:12, 34 days ago
VCT Day arrived and there were a few hiccups along the way - the marching that kicks off every one of these commemoration days started about 90mins late - but in the end the day was definitely a success. In terms of figures: around 500 people attended the actual event; 398 people went for counselling and testing at the site; and 68 couples also went for VCT. The aim of taking the event deeper into the community (and not at a central venue) was certainly worthwhile as the longer the event went on more local people showed an interest and came to see what was happening. However, most of the people there were probably under 21, an important target group for HIV, but as the event was held on a weekday many of their parents and adults in general were away working elsewhere. The number of couples tested was very encouraging, especially as that was the main message that we had been promoting for the day.At the event there was the usual mixture of drama, singing, dancing and speeches. The Guest of Honour was Chieftainess Mwenda (one of four chiefs in the district) who as I have learnt is a passionate and committed activist on HIV issues, not just in her chiefdom but more widely in the district. She gave a very good speech and as she finished announced that she was off to receive her own counselling and testing at a tent (see the photo below). This leadership and actions (not just words) are critical given the strong hierarchical structure of society, particularly in rural areas, in Zambia. The disappointing thing was that none of the other senior figures at the event (from Government, NGOs, FBOs, CBOs and other organisations) followed her lead and also went for VCT. One observation from my time here is that leaders from these organisations are very good at telling the community how they should behave and what they should and should not be doing, but often ignore their own advice.