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Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Mashonaland Central commemorated World AIDS Day (WAD) in Muzarabani, celebrating the province’s achievement in exceeding the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
An impressive 95 percent of the population in the province is now aware of their HIV status, with 97 percent of those living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 96 percent having achieved viral suppression.
These statistics surpass the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, showcasing the province’s remarkable progress in HIV and AIDS control.
Zimbabwe is one of the few Sub-Saharan African countries to achieve UNAIDS targets ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Speaking at the provincial World AIDS Day commemorations at Budiriro Secondary School in Muzarabani, deputy provincial medical director Dr Helen Kabaya said several initiatives had been adopted to meet the targets.
These include targeted HIV testing, treatment strategy and decentralisation of viral load testing.
“As we look at the journey that we travelled together in the national response to HIV, it would not have been possible for the Ministry of Health Care alone to accomplish these important milestones,” she said.
“Those who tested HIV negative are also important and pre-exposure prophylaxis is available for them to remain negative. We have also strengthened the health centre committee to improve access to health care.”
Senator Angeline Tongogara appealed to the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Christopher Magomo, to prioritise people living with HIV in land allocation and distribution.
She said people living with HIV had been hard hit by this year’s El Nino-induced drought.
“Their medication requires proper nutrition and lack of food can lead to non-adherence to medication. I am urging communities to resuscitate support groups as a way of keeping an eye on each other,” she said.
She thanked President Mnangagwa for initiatives that ensured the availability of ART and nutrition to people living with HIV.
Minister Magomo, who was represented by director of coordination Mr Admore Shereni, said ART has prevented 3 355 deaths since 2022 and the number of new HIV infections was lower than the number of AIDS-related deaths.
World Aids Day commemorations were an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives to HIV and AIDS and celebrated the unwavering resilience and tenacity of communities.
He said communities have been at the forefront, connecting individuals to services, holding the Government accountable and monitoring the implementation of policies and interventions.
“This year’s theme, ‘let communities lead’ is a perfect reflection of the role that communities play in the fight to end AIDS by 2030. Communities are playing a crucial role in eradicating the pandemic,” he said.
Although the progress was encouraging, Minister Magomo said there was need to address new HIV infections, which are high among women.
In 2022, out of the 1 005 new infections recorded, 602 were among women and 31 in children.
“This was largely due to missed opportunities in enrolling pregnant women in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission,” he said.
National AIDS Council provincial manager Mr Edgar Muzulu said President Mnangagwa launched the World AIDs Campaign on December 1, giving way to a year-round campaign nationwide.
The province rotates the commemorations in all eight districts in the province.
“This is an opportunity to remind communities of the Government’s commitment to eradicate HIV and AIDS. Communities, including churches know what they want, and know the gaps, and we align activities according to their priorities,” he said. “Traditional leaders took a stern approach against harmful practices to end gender-based violence, teen pregnancies and child marriages.”
Muzarabani South MP Benjamin Kabikira said people came together to remember, honour and renew their commitment to fighting HIV and AIDS.
Online Reporter