HIV prevalence rate drops in North West

By JACKSON MAPAPAYI The HIV AIDS prevalence in North Western Province has dropped from 7.1 to 6.9 percent.

This came to light during this year's commemoration of the World AIDS Day.

And North Western Province Permanent Secretary Ephraim Mateyo said there was need to double the HIV prevention efforts to stay in line with the global commitments fast-track to end AIDS epidemic by 2030. Mr Mateyo said Government was committed and determined to ensure the 90 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 90 percent of people who know their HIV status are receiving treatment and 90 percent of people on HIV treatment have a suppressed viral load by 2020.

"The ministry of Health and National AIDS Council with the cooperating partners have since adapted it to the local context. The aim is to fast track the national response as well," he said.

Mr Mateyo said Government through the National AIDS Council had embarked on a five year plan under the national HIV/AIDS strategic framework (NASF) (20172021) which is aligned to the vision 2030 and the Seventh National Development Plan.

"The priority focus for the NASF 2017-2021 is to intensify combination HIV prevention in the national multisectorial HIV response, with a view of reducing new HIV infections especially among but not limited to key populations, " Mr Mateyo said.

He directed the councils in the province and the Ministry of Health to develop a clear understanding of the dynamics of local epidemics within and develop effective responses.