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Zimbabwe was among the first countries in the world to set aside a levy specifically to fund HIV and AIDS interventions.
The introduction of the AIDS Levy was premised on the need to deal with the pandemic at our own pace after it dawned on the country’s leadership that the nation could not continue to rely on donor funding.
By that time, Zimbabwe was already experiencing a rapid increase in children orphaned by the death of one or both parents to aids-related illnesses.
That in itself was a major challenge, with serious implications for governance and national security as growing numbers of children were going to be raised in households devoid of parental care, love, discipline and appropriate socialisation and support structures.
Industry, commerce and agriculture were already feeling the impact of the pandemic through the loss of manpower and low productivity as many workers were spending long hours away from their places of employment — some of them never to return.
The introduction of the AIDS Levy gave a new lease of life to those living with HIV and aids as they could now access cheaper anti-retroviral drugs to prolong lives.
The levy also guaranteed continued funding for awareness programmes aimed at behavioural change, which remains key in the fight against the pandemic.
So as we reported yesterday that the number of people dying from HIV and AIDS-related illnesses has significantly dropped clearly demonstrates the nation’s commitment towards eradicating the pandemic through a raft of well thought out measures.
The decline is also a reflection that those living with HIV and are on treatment have been adhering to their ART regimen.
According to Government, the figures dropped from a high of 170 000 in 2003 to about 60 000 last year.
This is in stark contrast with the 1990s when many people took it at as given that contracting HIV was an irrevocable death sentence.
The report also noted that the number of people living with HIV seems to have stabilised at around 14,4 percent, while the number of people getting infected continues to drop.
This means we should expect statistics a few years from now showing even less deaths attributable to HIV infection.
In general, Zimbabwe seems to be managing the problem of HIV and AIDS in a progressive manner, a development that is both well-documented and has been acknowledged by the region and the international community at large.
However, the most recent figures should not lead to complacency by people living with HIV and AIDS and those who are HIV negative, and for Government and its partners. Already there are reports that the availability of anti-retroviral drugs and post-exposure prophylaxis has resulted in some people putting down their guard and engaging in risky behaviour.
Such people brag that there is nothing to worry about as they can easily get medication and life goes on.
The fact remains: the ABCs must be adhered to by all and sundry.
These are — and we are confident that the majority of Zimbabweans now know them — abstinence, being faithful to one sexual partner, and using condoms properly.
We urge Government and its partners to continue spreading the reach of ARVs, testing and counselling centres, and spreading the message of the ABCs and behavioural change.
Every Zimbabwean has a role to play in fighting the pandemic.
Let us all play our part.
Online Reporter