adminZIMBABWE yesterday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Aids Day.
The commemorations were held at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President and Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Minister of State and Devolution for Mashonaland East Apolonia Munzverengi said inasmuch as the COVID-19 pandemic stalled the HIV response, the country managed to initiate 100 000 new persons on ART.
“Despite the earlier COVID-19 related disruptions, which had threatened to reverse treatment outcomes, I am glad that Zimbabwe’s treatment programme has regained its composure and added nearly 100 000 new people in 2022, who are now part of the 1,2 million receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy,” VP Chiwenga said.
He also noted achievements the country has made in reducing the HIV prevalence.
“After having achieved the 90-90-90 by 2020, I would like to report that Zimbabwe has already achieved the 95-95-95 targets well ahead of the 2025 target date.
“HIV prevalence, at 11,58 percent in 2021 has hovered around 12 percent for more than five years now, which is a seal of approval of the effectiveness of our treatment and prevention programmes.
“At the same time the number of people newly infected with HIV has declined to 22,800 in 2021 from 26,900 in 2019, while that of people accessing treatment has risen from 88,45 percent in 2019 to 92,43 percent of people living with HIV in 2021.
“I am also glad that the number of people dying due to AIDS has dropped to 20,200 in 2021 from 22,500 in 2020.
“This recovery following COVID-19 disruptions speaks of the elasticity and resilience of the country’s response to HIV and our potential to achieve epidemic control,” he said. – www.healthtimes.co.zw.
Online Reporter