Mauritius has lined up a series of activities to commemorate World Aids day. Official sources at the Ministry of Health (MoH) indicate that free screening for HIV infection will be carried out by the Ministry near the Municipality of Port Louis.
The sources add that medical doctors will be giving talks in most village halls over the island to inform the population of the precautions to be taken.
The same exercise will be repeated at work places during lunch time in some factories and a pamphlet on prevention will be distributed to workers.
The sources pointed out that free condoms will be distributed on the main bus terminals in Port Louis and Curepipe, 20 km from Port Louis.
On his part, Dr Ahmed Saumtally, Responsible Officer of the AIDS Unit at the ministry of health indicated that to date 4,078 persons have been infected by the virus in Mauritius and that 75% of those infected are drug addicts.
Dr. Saumtally said that around 600 infected people are currently receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS adding that each patient cost the state about US$ 80 monthly.
Unfortunately many patients drop out of the treatment prematurely, he said.
Saumtally pointed out that government has set up a special treatment for pregnant women and for those who have been involuntarily exposed to HIV/AIDS.
A syringe exchange program has been set up in all major hospitals, added Saumtally.
He said that specialized units for HIV/AIDS patients will be opened in all regional hospitals.
Source African Press Agency
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