President Edgar Lungu has assured Zambians that no law of confidentiality will be broken during the mandatory HIV testing as results will remain a secret between the person tested and the medical practitioner.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, President Lungu said he had noted privacy concerns raised by people over the mandatory HIV testing.

“I have been reading comments regarding the Mandatory HIV Testing, Counselling and Treatment. I noted that most of you were concerned about privacy to your results. Let me urge you not to worry over the newly introduced policy because there will be strict confidentiality. Individuals’ privacy is guaranteed because the results would remain between you and the health practitioner. Be assured that no law of confidentiality will be broken in the policy to conduct mandatory HIV Testing, Counselling and Treatment tests,” said President Lungu.

“I further wonder why some people are lamenting that their human rights are being violated when my government is concerned about their welfare. We are doing this for the benefit of our nation and the future of our children. To those who will be found to be positive, you will be treated so that your lives can be prolonged. No stigmatization will be tolerated,” said President Lungu.