By IANS,
Johannesburg : South African President Jacob Zuma is HIV negative, the results of the test that the leader took earlier this month have said.
This was the fourth HIV test taken by Zuma, even as the president said he has decided to “take the test at regular intervals” and asked everyone else to do the same.
“Anyone’s HIV status is private and confidential. Disclosure is an individual decision,” Zuma was quoted as saying by BuaNews Sunday.
Zuma, who announced his results during the launch of the HIV, Counselling and Testing (HCT) campaign Sunday, had taken his own HIV test April 8 in an effort to garner support for the campaign.
Zuma, however, reassured the people that even when testing in public, the results are still confidential, and added that by disclosing his status, he was not putting pressure on his countrymen to do the same.
“After careful consideration, I decided to share my results with all South Africans. The purpose is to promote openness and to eradicate the silence and stigma that accompanies this epidemic,” he said.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane also got tested and were followed by councillors and other leaders.
Other than HIV tests, people also got tested for diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure and other diseases.