Nac on HIV and Aids

Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, Senior Reporter 

WHILE Zimbabwe continues to record milestones in the fight against HIV and Aids, progress could be stalled due to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), National Aids Council chief executive Dr Bernard Madzima has said. 

NCDs include cancer, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and chronic respiratory diseases.

Dr Madzima noted that while achievements have been pleasing, there is a lot that needs to be done towards the United Nations target of ending Aids by 2030. 

Last week, Zimbabwe joined the world in commemorating World Aids Day amid calls for recommitment to scaling up of HIV prevention and treatment interventions in an environment of increased community participation and ownership. 

To date, Zimbabwe’s prevalence stands at 11,8 percent and the number of new HIV infections dropped from 24 900 in 2020 to 22 800 in 2021. 

Antiretroviral therapy coverage rose from 92 percent to 92,43 percent of the 1 301 400 people living with HIV during the same period. 

Dr Madzima said, if not tackled, non-communicable diseases could easily put the country off track in terms of achieving global targets to eradicate HIV and Aids. 

“We shall, therefore, optimise sub-population and geographic specific HIV prevention services, coupled with those that address threats from drug resistant TB, non-communicable diseases and the busting of social safety nets. In recognition of the close association between HIV and non-communicable diseases, the National Aids Council has increased support towards cancer programmes, in particular cervical cancer for which we have provided several screening machines,” he said.

Dr Madzima said as a way of promoting equalisation and equity in the response, the National Aids Council has embarked on social contracting. This is an approach through which the Government financially and technically support key community based organisations to implement agreed programmes towards the achievement of the 95-95-95 targets.

Statistics show that 60 percent of cancer patients are HIV positive and over time activists have called for investment in cancer detection and treatment as a way of addressing HIV. 

In a statement, Talk Cancer Zim, an organisation founded by radiation therapists also called for more resources to be availed in the fight against HIV and cancer as the two diseases have a relationship. 

“HIV medication is helping people with HIV live longer, healthier lives, but their immune systems do not get fully healthy. As they live longer, their chances of having other health problems like cancer increases hence the need to raise awareness on how best those living with HIV can reduce the risk of cancer,” read the statement. 

“The risk of some types of cancers that are more common in people with HIV may be lowered by avoiding certain cancer-risk factors. For example, not smoking or using injection drugs and avoiding or limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet and weight and exercising may help lower the risk of some cancers.”  — @thamamoe.