Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has hailed the National AIDS Council (NAC) for sustaining Zimbabwe’s HIV response despite donor funding cuts and for integrating non-communicable diseases and other health emergencies into its programmes.
The remarks were contained in a speech by Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora, read on his behalf by Chief Director of Public Health, Dr Celestino Dhege, at NAC’s 5th Annual General Meeting in Harare, where he received the 2025 Annual Report and audited financial statements.
“NAC coordinates and implements programmes on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” Dr Mombeshora said.
“Their mandate, which is quite broad, has empowered them to effectively coordinate the response to HIV, resulting in the reduction of the overall AIDS burden, animated by the achievement of the 95-95-95 targets.
“As you know, Zimbabwe has been commended for achieving the highest decline of 80 percent of new HIV cases in the 10-year period between 2012 and 2022 globally.
“ At the same time, the antiretroviral therapy programme has expanded, with almost all people living with HIV now virtually on treatment.”
He said NAC had embraced integration of health emergencies, reducing verticalisation of services, as shown during COVID-19 and through procurement of essential equipment beyond HIV.
“In embracing these public health emergencies, they have demonstrated well that HIV is no longer a linear disease but rather part of a broad health delivery system,” the Minister said. “NAC has continued to procure essential equipment in support of the health delivery system. In addition to various diagnostic equipment and commodities including medicines, NAC has also procured consumables for the renal unit and the family blood donor transfusion equipment for Parirenyatwa in 2025.”
He said the Government will guard gains in HIV by increasing domestic financing following the US Government Stop Work Order that cut donor support.
NAC chief executive officer Dr Bernard Madzima said despite disruptions, Zimbabwe sustained high treatment coverage and prevention uptake.
“As we reflect on 2025, I am proud to report on the significant strides the National AIDS Council has made in our ongoing response to HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe,” Dr Madzima said.
He said 1 922 143 clients were tested for HIV in 2025 and 1,908,221 (99,3 percent) received their results.
Of those, 66,617 (3,49 percent) were positive and 65,518 (98,35 percent) were retested to verify status. A total 1 235 467 clients are on ART with 96 percent viral suppression.
Dr Madzima said Zimbabwe was selected as one of only ten countries worldwide to introduce long-acting injectable Lenacapavir starting January 2026, following WHO’s 2025 endorsement as the first twice-yearly PrEP option.
He said NAC led development of the Zimbabwe National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (2026-2030) and has taken over funding of programmes disrupted by US cuts, including DREAMS and Sista2Sista.
Financially, the council’s revenue was ZWG 2.0 billion (US$ 76,2 million) against a projection of ZWG 4,2 billion, with AIDS levy contributing ZWG 1,8 billion (US$66,4 million).
