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The shortage of HIV test kits at clinics in De Aar is negatively affecting the Northern Cape’s fight against HIV.

Visits to the Montana Clinic and the Town Clinic last week, revealed that HIV test kits have not been available at the facilities since stockouts occurred during the festive season.

The DA is concerned that the problem is more widespread than just in De Aar and the greater Pixley ka Seme District, as this is not the first time that a shortage of these important supplies has been reported in the province.

In the absence of HIV test kits, people coming to the clinics for testing are simply encouraged to make use of condoms as an alternate to being tested. This is unacceptable and we have to wonder how health facilities can be out of HIV test kits, while the health department continues encouraging people to get tested?

Not only does the lack of testing have the ability to fuel the spread of this disease but it also means that pregnant women are not being tested, which might lead to babies being born HIV positive. Rape survivors might also miss out on preventative treatment because of the shortage of HIV testing kits.

I have submitted a formal complaint to the district health manager. I have made an appointment with the district health manager to address this matter. The matter is also being queried by the DA’s provincial health spokesperson through the submission of parliamentary questions. The DA wants to know since when HIV test kits have been out-of-stock, why the stock-outs occurred, which facilities throughout the Northern Cape have been affected and by when stock will arrive?

People who get tested and learn they don't have HIV can make better future decisions, while those who test positive can receive treatment. It is a shame to deny people either of these life altering options and the Health Department needs to ensure that all health facilities are fully stocked with HIV test kits as a matter of urgency.

Issued by Cllr Ridwaan Smith - Emthanjeni Municipality