Zimbabwe parliamentarians lauded for undergoing voluntary HIV counseling, testing and male circumcision

Mar 6 2012

"More than 170 [of Zimbabwe's] parliamentarians from across the political divide have resolved to undergo voluntary counseling and HIV testing in a bid to encourage the grassroots to follow suit," and "the 150 male members in the 175-member group have also resolved to be circumcised," a Herald editorial states. "Members of Parliament are regarded as role models whose power of influence in society is immense," the editorial writes, adding, "And as leaders, their message is readily received particularly if it is coupled by exemplary behavior in the communities they serve."

The editorial notes that, on "Thursday, the legislators came together under the Zimbabwe Parliamentarians Against HIV and AIDS [ZIPAH], a voluntary organization aimed at promoting awareness and fighting stigma associated with HIV and AIDS," where "President Mugabe, who officially launched ZIPAH, urged legislators to lead by example." The editorial continues, "[W]e are encouraged by the response from the legislators" and "applaud [them] for this noble move and urge their constituents to follow their lead," and concludes, "We urge all legislators, and former legislators to join ZIPAH to broaden its reach" (3/3).