Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Online Writer
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora has revealed that the HIV prevalence and mother-to-child transmission rates are declining, setting Zimbabwe on the right path to attain gold tier validation status for the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission.
Speaking during the National Validation Committee (NVC) Meeting for the Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B Virus in Harare today, Dr Mombeshora said Zimbabwe is on the right path to achieve gold tier validation.
“Your work is critical in helping Zimbabwe move forward towards gold tier validation for the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission. We are not alone in this journey.
“Our neighbour Botswana recently achieved its gold tier status in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV. If Botswana can do it, Zimbabwe can do it too,” said Dr Mombeshora.
The Health Minister said the prevalence of mother-to-child transmission is declining in Zimbabwe.
“Our progress is encouraging. HIV prevalence is declining, and mother-to-child transmission has dropped to 6.5%, moving steadily towards our target of less than 5% by 2026,” said Minister Mombeshora.
He challenged local health facilities to ensure rigorous testing of pregnant women to prevent the infection of children.
“Nearly all pregnant women are now tested and treated for Syphilis, and efforts for the elimination of Hepatitis B are gathering momentum. More work is needed,
“Each of our ten provinces must rigorously examine its programmes, confront its challenges, and find solutions.
“This validation process is not about ticking boxes. It is about ensuring that no child in Zimbabwe begins life with an infection that could have been prevented,” said Dr Mombeshora.
