adminCatherine Murombedzi
ZIMBABWE joined the rest of the world in marking World Aids Day on December 1. Many cities observed the day so did some workplaces.
The day is set aside to remember the heroes and loved ones who have succumbed to AIDS.
In Harare where the international conference Aids and on sexually transmitted infections (ICASA) is running from November 29 to December 4, a hive of activities took place to mark the day.
The Community Village was alight as loved ones were remembered through lighting of candles.
A march from Town House to the ICASA venue saw people from all walks of life honour the dear departed.
The march which was led by ZNNP+ called for access to treatment, retention and care for people living with HIV. It demanded that women and children get essential life-long medicines as universal access remains unachieved in Zimbabwe. The theme of the candlelight was: “Supporting the future”.
ZNNP+ chairperson, Mr Sebastian Chinhaire, called on concerted effort through private public partnerships and called on government to honour the Abuja Declaration.
“More effort needs to be made and as a country we need to scale-up on universal access to all who need the life-long medication,” Mr Chinhaire said.
Solidarity messages were given by the Global Network of People living with HIV (GNP+)
UN Country director Michel Bartos spoke on the need to keep the momentum in the response to HIV if the 90-90-90 goal to end AIDS by 2030 is to be realised.
The Guest of Honour Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr David Parirenyatwa, led in lighting the candles.
A role of honour cloth was on display and anyone who wanted to write a name of a loved one gone did so.
It was sad to note that some families lost seven to 10 members due to Aids related deaths.
We remember those who succumbed to Aids everyday and this year the day fell during the most important conference on sexually transmitted infections in Africa.
Online Reporter