South African president takes HIV test

South African President Jacob Zuma has taken an HIV test in an effort to encourage his countrymen to do the same.

“I am doing so to encourage as many South Africans as possible to do the same,” the president, who took the test Thursday was quoted as saying by BuaNews.

Zuma said though HIV tests are voluntary and getting tested might be a difficult decision to make for many people, it is a decision that must be taken by people from all walks of life, races and social classes.

“Everybody’s privacy and dignity must be respected by health professionals and the public in general. We must also respect the HIV status of all South Africans, whether positive or negative, and support each other to deal with this epidemic,” he said.

If a person tests positive, it is not a death sentence, Zuma said.

“We need to work together to fight the stigma attached to the epidemic. We must also address the problem of discrimination through lifting the silence and shame that is associated with the virus and the disease. We must all play our role to fight the epidemic,” Zuma said.