Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE distributed 122 million condoms last year, aiming to ensure universal protection and community-wide accessibility as part of its drive towards an Aids-free generation.
This surge in preventative measures comes as the nation celebrates a landmark public health achievement: officially surpassing the stringent UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets—a feat accomplished by few countries in the region.
The latest figures were revealed during the National Aids Council’s (NAC) 4th Annual General Meeting held recently in Kadoma.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora formally received the Council’s Annual Report and audited financial statements for the 2024 fiscal year on behalf of the Government.
In his presentation, NAC chief executive officer Dr Bernard Madzima reported that condom distribution reached 122 million units in 2024.
“Our condom distribution programme distributed 120 317 736 male condoms and 2 255 601 female condoms nationwide, ensuring accessibility and protection across all communities,” he said.
Dr Madzima expressed optimism that Zimbabwe is nearing an HIV-free status by 2030.
The year 2024 was marked by notable advancements in prevention, treatment, care and support services, bringing us closer to our vision of an HIV-free Zimbabwe by 2030,” he said.
“The Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) initiative achieved a national coverage rate of 88.19 percent, with Harare and Bulawayo provinces attaining 100 percent coverage.
This success reflects the effectiveness of our integrated approach, which ensures that pregnant and breastfeeding women receive timely antiretroviral therapy (ART), significantly reducing vertical HIV transmission.”
He reiterated that condoms remain one of the most important HIV prevention initiatives and confirmed that the programme will continue across all provinces.
Meanwhile, the Government has lauded NAC for its stringent adherence to public finance management and corporate governance, citing the organisation’s track record of submitting financial statements for audit on schedule.
The commendation was made by Dr Mombeshora during the AGM.
“I commend NAC for convening this meeting in line with statutory requirements following a rigorous and independent audit by the Office of the Auditor General,” Dr Mombeshora said.
“Compliance with public finance management and corporate governance frameworks places NAC among those public entities that have embedded transparency, accountability and ethical stewardship of public resources.
“These principles are not abstract ideals; they are the foundation of public trust and the assurance that resources reach the citizens who need them most.”
He also praised the NAC executive’s ability to deliver results despite the absence of a governing board.
“I acknowledge that during the year under review, NAC operated without a formally appointed board, with oversight responsibilities falling directly to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“Despite this governance gap, NAC remained operationally focused, and the achievements recorded — including reductions in new HIV infections and sustained treatment outcomes evidenced by the attainment of the 95-95-95 targets — demonstrate commendable institutional resilience.”
Dr Mombeshora, however, added that the arrival of the new board should catalyse further positive outcomes and reinforce a culture of good governance.
dyton mupawaenda