HIV testing postponed

Addressing delegates at the US Embassy Public Affairs

This morning 3 female activists visited Dzivarasekwa 5 primary school where HIV testing for primary school pupils was to take place at 9am. There were scrupulous cars following us and making calls. At 9am we were advised that nurses were not yet there and the programme was going to start when they arrive. The nurses arrived at 11, stood around whilst one guy who was in a yellow T-shirt was on the phone. After the cellphone conversation the man spoke to who looked like the nurse in charge who advised us that the child protection service could not come today, the nurses from Rujeko are here and we cannot proceed in their absence.

This clearly shows that the noise i made yesterday about this compulsory testing of children yielded results and the programme has been halted. I still have questions for the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education. What was the purpose of this exercise? Why was it not publicized? Why are you violating children's rights? ‪#‎enoughisenough‬

Thank you Lynnette Mudehwe and Shallon Muvirimi for standing up and fighting for children's rights. Aluta acontinua.

Linda T. Masarira
Zimbabwe Women In Politics Alliance
Founder and National Coordinator