Overwhelming rush for HIV testing

KENYA: Overwhelming rush for HIV testing

JOHANNESBURG, 8 Oct 2004 (PLUSNEWS) - HIV/AIDS voluntary counselling and testing centres in Kenya are being overwhelmed by people wanting to know their status.

According to the media agency, African Women and Child Feature Services, the demand at Kenyatta Hospital in the capital, Nairobi, was so high that people were being placed on a three-week waiting list.

Health analysts are pleased that between 70 and 80 percent of those booked return to honour their appointments.

The rush for HIV testing is due to the wider availability of cheaper anti-AIDS drugs in Kenya and the positive impact of AIDS awareness campaigns.

[ENDS]

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