Local media hailed

prevalence rate and providing care for those infected and affected by the pandemic.

Addressing journalists from across the media spectrum recently, ZBC Holdings group chief executive officer Mr Happison Muchechetere, said HIV and Aids were a major national development issue that needed adequate space for coverage. “HIV and Aids is a major issue of national development that requires adequate space for coverage in the electronic, print and other forms of media. In this regard your role is therefore critical as you stand between the information sources and the consumers,” he said.

He said the country had received international acclaim for its response to HIV and Aids as shown by the declining prevalence rate and the increased number of people accessing anti-retroviral drugs. At least 390 000 people are getting the life prolonging ARVs. National Aids Council communications director, Ms Madelina Dube, said the media should also be at the forefront in highlighting the successes that the country had registered as it had become a best-practice model for most countries in the region and beyond.

“The media should blow our trumpets whenever we have done well as a country. I am happy to say that despite the challenges we have been facing as a country and the gaps in funding we have done very well. No one is going to do it for us,” she said.