Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe has made remarkable progress in its quest to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030, with renewed emphasis on maintaining a collective approach to sustain the gains achieved and prevent setbacks.
This commitment took centre stage during the World AIDS Day commemorations at John Cowie Primary School in Rusape, where survivors and stakeholders shared stories of resilience and success.
Speaking at the event, on Saturday, Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora, reassured attendees of the Government’s commitment to scaling up interventions.
“Our response has achieved significant milestones, but challenges persist. We are exploring alternative funding models, including national health insurance and public-private partnerships, to sustain progress,” he noted.
UN Resident Coordinator Edward Kallon praised Zimbabwe’s achievements, citing the expansion of life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the role of domestic and international funding.
“Zimbabwe’s AIDS levy and partnerships with the Global Fund and PEPFAR are crucial. Ending AIDS by 2030 requires unwavering commitment to human rights and access to quality services,” Kallon said.
Local traditional leaders acknowledged the progress made in reducing HIV infections and deaths.
Chief Makoni reflected on the devastating impact of the disease and the importance of staying vigilant.
“This programme helps us remember those we lost to HIV. Many families were affected, but the situation has improved. We need to keep fighting this pandemic that has claimed so many lives,” he said.
Personal testimonies highlighted the life-saving impact of free treatment and interventions.
“I thought being HIV positive was a death sentence, but now I have an HIV-free child thanks to these programmes,” shared one attendee.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The National AIDS Council (NAC) urged continued focus to achieve epidemic control. NAC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bernard Madzima, warned against complacency.
“In 2023, over 15,000 new HIV infections and 17,000 AIDS-related deaths were recorded. While we have reached the 95-95-95 targets, the epidemic persists. We must align our response with global standards and maintain leadership to achieve an AIDS-free society,” he emphasized.
Manicaland province emerged as a leader in combating the pandemic, with notable success in meeting the triple 95 targets. Advocate Misheck Mugadza, Manicaland’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, acknowledged the province’s progress while underscoring the need for continued vigilance.
The commemorations also included a marathon to raise awareness and a candle-lighting ceremony honouring those who were lost to the pandemic. As Zimbabwe pushes forward, the collective resolve of communities and stakeholders remains critical to achieving the 2030 goal of ending HIV/AIDS.
