adminInformation and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu has said.
In a speech read on his behalf by an official from his ministry during belated World Aids Day commemorations in Chegutu last Friday, Minister Shamu said stigmatisation reversed the progress the country had made in fighting the HIV and Aids pandemic.
“These two (stigma and discrimination) remains a challenge that we need to deal with,” he said.
“Let us not discriminate against people that are infected by HIV as this will pull back achievements made in scaling up testing and counselling services. To those HIV positive, I urge you to talk about your status openly so that we destigmatise the issue individually and gain support from the community.”
Minster Shamu called for collective efforts in fighting the scourge.
“While HIV and Aids are indeed a menace threatening to wipe humanity from the face of the earth, with stern resolve, self control, and collective effort on the part of individuals, communities, the private sector,
Government we will conquer. Let us take part in all efforts being made to fight the pandemic.”
He commended the country for achieving a “remarkable” progress in combating HIV and Aids.
“Our efforts have seen the HIV prevalence rate declining from 20,1 percent in 2005 to the current 14.26. This is commendable by any standards and the trend must continue,” he said.
Minister Shamu said this year’s theme, “Getting to Zero”, called for everyone’s attention to focus on ways to achieve an Aids free nation.
Online Reporter