Amos Chama, Lusaka (24 June) - It is a nightmare - for an HIV patient in Zambia to think of free ARVs. Costing about K40,000 per month, and having to eat well for a living, leave one with no interest even to know his status. Even though the government is shouting about free ARVs, in fact they are not free.

Just to wait in the lines takes about an hour - making the confidential process a  mockery (as all know what line goes for where). Add to that, this time one can do productive work that can make one eat, and even send children to school. Worse still, those who can change all either just receive their medicines through servants (because they are known), or they jump lines, hence a poor man remains with this time consuming process.

Pay for ARVs or buy kapenta - ones is left with a headache!!

Why dont ministers visit these places and see for themselves what happens, one wonders. Ideas always come when one has first hand information, which spirit is lacking in our country. Not to be seen in public, regretably, is a sign of good status in Zambia - denying chances of seeing what people go through.

So, Ex mpelembe brains, what can be done, in your privacy and public, at least to help our friends who are affected, and what awareness compain is in place? Anyone talking about HIV in Zambia is nearing prosperity, it is lucrative venture, not to help!!