Andrew
Online Reporter
The United Nations (UN) has commended Zimbabwe for its good practices in the fight against HIV/AIDS, which have seen increased uptake of HIV prevention methods, testing and treatment services.
Zimbabwe is the first country in Africa and the third in the world behind Australia and the United States of America to approve Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir (CAB-LA).
CAB-LA is a long-acting injectable medication that prevents HIV.
It acts as a pre-exposure prophylaxis and is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for those who have a high risk of contracting HIV.
Speaking at World Aids Day commemorations in Marondera on Thursday, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator Mr Edward Kallon said Zimbabwe’s new HIV infections have declined by 70 percent from 75 000 cases in 2010 to 23 000 cases in 2021.
“I applaud the Government of Zimbabwe’s political will and commitment in acting boldly, bringing together cutting-edge science, and their efforts in delivering services that meet people’s needs, protecting human rights and in sustaining adequate financing,” said Mr Kallon.
In December 2020, UNAIDS released a new set of ambitious targets calling for 95 percent of all people living with HIV to know their HIV status, 95 percent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy to have viral suppression by 2025.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter