HIV transmission reduced

THE life expectancy of people living with HIV in Manicaland Province has improved, thanks to a range of Government interventions aimed at reducing AIDS-related deaths.

The interventions have been successful in increasing the average life expectancy of those living with HIV, which is a positive step towards improving overall public health in the province.

Government has implemented various strategies to reduce AIDS-related deaths, among them expanding access to Antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) and Prevention of Mother-To-Child-Transmission (PMTCT) services.

These efforts have resulted in a notable increase in the average life expectancy of people living with HIV.

This was revealed by Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza during the Provincial World Aids commemorations held at Gaza

Stadium in Chipinge last Friday.

Minister Mugadza said although statistics show that AIDS-related deaths are declining in the province, there still remains need to further bring them down to ensure that the country sustain the epidemic control phase.

He urged pregnant women to take up the available HIV prevention services as Mother-To-Child-Transmission (MTCT) remains high in the province.

“Through a combination of programmes to eradicate more HIV infection by Ministry of Health and Child Care together with its partners, the province has managed to record a decline from 22.86 percent in 1996 to 9.65 percent in 2024.

“The province is having a challenge of HIV transmission of mother-to-child which is highly preventable if women take up the available transmission services.

“The majority of these infections are a result of missed opportunities in enrolling pregnant women on the prevention of Mother-To-Child-Transmission.

“Government is earmarking to completely stop further transmission by 2030, which can be attained if the community takes a lead,” he said.

Statistics released by the National Aids Council (NAC) for Manicaland showed that Chipinge District has the lowest HIV incidences and prevalence at 0.12 percent and eight percent, respectively.

Makoni has the highest number of incidences and prevalence at 0.17 percent and 12.35 percent, respectively.

This year’s World Aids Day commemorations were held under the theme: “Let Community Lead”.