Zimbabwe has surpassed the 95-95-95 global target in the fight against HIV and Aids to ensure that 95 percent of people infected know their status, are on treatment and have a suppressed viral load.
This was said by President Mnangagwa in his statement to mark World Aids Day being commemorated globally today.
In December 2020, UNAids set ambitious targets calling for 95 percent of all people living with HIV to know their HIV status, 95 percent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy to have viral suppression by 2025.
In his statement, the President said on the nation recommit to the creation of an enabling environment for the pursuit of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
“As a nation, let us continue to raise awareness on the existence of the pan- demic, and equally seek to utilise my prevention and treatment services which are available throughout the country,” he said.
“This year’s commemorations are occurring when we are emerging from challenging times associated with the negative effects of the Covid 19 pandemic, which are compounded by climate change as well as the deleterious effects of illegal sanctions.
“The focused and robust response by the health sector and stakeholders on HIV/Aids is commendable. This has seen our country achieve the current 95-95-95 targets well ahead of the 2025 target date.”
Zimbabwe became one of the first country to establish a fund to fight the pandemic.
The Aids Levy is funded from taxes levied on individuals and businesses.
This year’s global commemorations are being held under them “Equalise”, which the President said resonates with his Administration’s quest of implementing multi-pronged development programmes, projects and policy interventions that leave no one and no place behind.
“Locally, our theme: “Access, Empowerment, Inclusivity, Opportunities and the Upholding of human rights highlights our focus towards a holistic approach to tackling the HIV/Aids scourge. “As a country, we are committed to addressing inequalities related to access, control and utilisation of my related services. These include increasing the availability of quality and suitable services for HIV prevention and treatment,” President Mnangagwa said.
He added that stigma, discrimination and exclusion of people living with HIV, had no place in society.
Zimbabwe will next year host the International Conference on HIV and Aids and STIs in Africa, which he said was a product of the country’s re-engagement drive.
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