SOME of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable faces took public HIV tests on Thursday to encourage more people to know their HIV status.
The tests, organised by the United States embassy and the PSI’s New Africa House HIV Centre, were part of commemorations of the December 1 World Aids Day.
United States Ambassador Charles Ray, Big Brother Africa star and actor Munyaradzi Chidzonga, musicians Alexio Kawara and Edith Katiji, Premier League stars Norman Maroto (Gunners), Washington Arubi and Desmond Maringwa (both Dynamos) and TV star Rumbidzai Mugwira took the tests after undergoing counseling observed by journalists.
Munya said: “Knowledge is power. The ability to know your status helps in planning your future.
"If celebrities are armed with proper information, they can have a positive impact on the lives of other people and help with behaviour change.”
Dynamos midfielder Maringwa added: “I have been playing professional football for the past 15 years and I have dribbled past many players, but for just 15 minutes, I have dribbled HIV and Aids.
"I encourage every soccer player and fan to do the same."
Ambassador Ray said they had invited the celebrities because they were “all leaders in your respective career fields and young people look up to you and listen to what you say.”
He added: "This is a great blessing and responsibility. What you have done by taking an HIV test is to show your fans and fellow Zimbabweans that this is an important step we all have to take in our life.”
In its annual report, UNAids said the global Aids epidemic is gradually being turned around, with new infections and deaths falling.
After nearly 30 years, there are 33.3 million people living with HIV, 22.5 million of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa. Some 5.2 million are on drug treatment to keep them alive and well, but 10 million more need it urgently.
Of the five countries with the largest epidemics in the region, four countries -- Ethiopia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe -- have reduced rates of new HIV infections by more than 25 percent, while Nigeria's epidemic has stabilised.
Taking a lead ... Munya watches as blood is taken during an HIV test in Harare
Brave ... Dynamos goalkeeper Washington Arubi with an HIV/Aids counsellor