HIV A MAJOR THREAT IN SOUTH SUDAN, SAYS OFFICIAL

HIV/AIDS is a major health threat in Southern Sudan with prevalence between three to eight percent, but the government is fighting the pandemic with new counselling and testing centres and providing treatment, an official said.

Olivia Lomoru, a director general in GoSS Ministry of Health, told journalists today that her ministry is providing antiretroviral treatment in Nzara and Kajo Keji with World Health Organization’s help.

Dr. Lomoru noted that voluntary counselling and testing centres have increased from 40 to 52 while antiretroviral centres have also been increased from six to nine states.

She added that 2289people were on antiretroviral treatment.

The ministry has conducted a study on Sexually Transmitted Diseases which has provided health authorities with findings that will help developing policies to raise awareness on HIV and other sexual diseases.