The Ministry of Health says that it has not yet introduced mandatory HIV testing in Zambia.
Ministry Spokesperson, Kennedy Malama says that people currently have a choice to opt out if they do not want to be tested for HIV.
Speaking to Breeze News this morning, Dr. Malama also explained that children who visit health facilities when they are sick will not be tested for HIV if they are not accompanied by an elderly person.
He says that any HIV test on a child will only be conducted upon consent from the parents and guardians.
Dr. Malama however, explained that the benefits of conducting HIV tests on children outweigh the concerns of people who are against routine testing.
He stated that the spread of HIV in children is more rapid than in adults, a situation which results in high mortality if children are not quickly put on treatment.