Andrew
Andrew Muvishi
Mashonaland East Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV has targeted children who are between 0 and 14 years of age to be initiated on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), as a part of accelerated efforts to achieve a free HIV generation.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s 2020 update report, ART coverage stood at 71 percent with 29 percent of children and young adolescents below age of 15 not having access to ART.
Speaking at the workshop of initiating and retaining children and young adolescents living with HIV held in Marondera, National Network of People Living with HIV Project Coordinator, Ms Abigal Nhapi, said they want to increase the number of children living with HIV to be initiated on ART.
“We have noted with concern that Anti-Retroviral Therapy treatment coverage for children is lagging behind coverage for adults.
“Despite efforts to ensure epidemic control and ending AIDs by 2030, gaps remain and in particular the slow progress towards ensuring that all children and young adolescent – 0 to 14 – years have access to quality HIV and other health related services including viral load monitoring, integrated mental health and disclosure support,” she said.
Speaking at the same occasion ZNNP provincial coordinator, Mr Hebert Pepereke, said they want to strengthen referral pathways for identification, initiation and retention of children.
“We want to strengthen referral pathways and retention of children who are age of 0-14 on treatment, we also want to improve access to quality HIV services for pregnant and lactating women and children aged 0 to 14 by creating demand for service uptake, monitoring the quality of services using community,” he said.
Online Reporter