LUANO District this year recorded over 400 new HIV infections from the over 23,000 people who were tested.
Luano district health director Bwalya Chipoya says the 433 new infections in 2025 is a drop from the positive cases noted in 2024 at 773 from 32,418 tests.
In 2023, 13,560 individuals were tested for the virus, of which 593 were positive.
“In terms of numbers in 2024, we distributed 8,000 condoms and this year we have gone to 15,000 condoms in the entire district,” Dr Chipoya said.
He said in an interview that the results were captured at health facilities in different parts of Luano.
Dr Chipoya said it is encouraging that people have continued going for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and if the results are positive, those affected are placed on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
He said sensitisation on HIV and AIDS has continued along with distribution of condoms to help prevent the spread of the virus and other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
Dr Chipoya said condoms are distributed through routine programmes and when facilities make requests. He said the district health office has also been distributing condoms in collaboration with stakeholders, considering financial constraints and distribution of health facilities, especially the ones in Luano Valley.
Dr Chipoya said health officers continue to educate people on health matters, especially STIs, and how they need to protect themselves.