Cuito – At least 1,299 new cases of HIV/AIDS were reported by the health authorities in Bié province during the first six months of this year, 178 fewer than in the previous period, the head of the public health and endemic control department, Isaías Cambissa Sambunga has said.
Cuito municipality tops the list with 871 cases, followed by Andulo, with 104, and Cuemba, with 69. The municipality of Chitembo had the fewest cases, with 23.
According to Cambissa Sambunga, 23 deaths have been recorded in the same period, seven more than the previous period.
During the first six months under review, 52,982 people were tested at the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centers (CATV) spread across this central/southern region of the country.
Isaías Cambissa Sambunga said the health authorities are working to raise awareness among families about the need to avoid stigmatizing people infected with the AIDS virus, in order to mitigate the negative impact of the disease on communities.
Also as part of the fight against the pandemic, the health authorities have distributed thousands of condoms and leaflets in the most populated areas, with information on how the disease is transmitted.
The health sector is working in partnership with the Angolan Red Cross (CVA), the Association of Young People Fighting Aids (AJOSIDA) and the ruling MPLA party youth wing JMPLA.
In Bié province, more than 5,000 people with HIV/AIDS are being monitored. AS/PLB/TED/AMP
