The minister of health in Gogrial State has issued an order banning HIV/AIDS testing outside public hospitals, primary healthcare centres and primary healthcare units in the state.

Axar.az reports that speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Health Minister Jong Anthony Deng said anyone found doing HIV/AIDS testing outside public health facilities will be subjected legal procedures.

Dr. Jong said many local residents go for HIV/AIDS testing in private clinics, pointing out that the private health facilities in the state do not provide counseling for people who test positive.

“The ministry has recently recorded two suicide cases after HIV/AIDS testing at private clinics due to lack of counseling,” he explained.

The state minister said government hospitals in the state provide HIV/AIDS testing services and quality counseling. Minister Jong further said the exact number of people living with HIV in the state remains unclear.

Most of the AIDS cases globally are in poorer countries, where access to testing, prevention and treatment is limited.

South Sudan has limited published data on HIV and AIDS prevalence. HIV prevalence in the country is estimated at 3%, with approximately 150,000 to 200,000 South Sudanese living with HIV/AIDS.