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Health Reporter
Public health experts have emphasised the importance of increased investment in the country’s testing and treatment capabilities in the wake of a new, fast spreading HIV variant.
The new strain, called the VB variant, damages the immune system and weakens people’s ability to fight everyday infections and diseases much faster than the previous HIV strains.
Experts have said the VB variant was no cause for alarm, and insist that the current treatments remain effective against the virus, while encouraging the use of condoms and Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication as a way to avoid contracting or transmitting the virus.
In an interview, Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) executive director, Mr Itai Rusike, said although the new variant was treatable from the available ARVs, its emergence underscored the urgency of speeding up efforts to stop the HIV pandemic.
“The recent identification of the new fast spreading HIV variant is a very worrying issue and calls for increasing investment in testing and treatment capabilities for the country to halt the HIV pandemic,” he said.
“More than ever, there is need for urgent and combined relentless efforts by the Government, donors, private sector, civil society and communities to show solidarity and support in fighting the new HIV variant,” he said.
Online Reporter