SHARED RESPONSIBILTY Ending AIDS by 2030
ZIMBABWE joins the rest of the world in commemorating the World AIDS Day on Tuesday, 1
December 2020. This is a day to unite in the fight to end the HIV epidemic, support people living with HIV, and remember those who have lost their lives. The theme for 2020 is Global Solidarity: Shared Responsibility: Ending AIDS By 2030.
The theme comes at a time when Zimbabwe, and the world at large are working towards ensuring that by 2030, AIDS will no longer be a public health threat. This is achievable if people collectively continue to strive for equality, protection of human rights and zero discrimination. The onus is on every individual to play a part in eradicating new infections by avoiding risky sexual behaviour and taking antiretroviral medicine as prescribed, if one is on ART. There will also be live coverage of the event on various radio stations.
This year’s commemorations will be held virtually from the Rainbow Towers, Harare. Attendance is strictly by invitation for compliance with
COVID 19 regulations regarding gatherings. This should not dilute the significance of the day. From wherever people are, they are encouraged to commemorate the day. The event will be livestreamed on ZTV and NAC’s social media platforms: Facebook- National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe. Also follow proceedings on Twitter: @ naczim. There will be lots of information on HIV and related conditions. Amusing entertainment has also been lined up for the day.
The coming of COVID 19 has increased vulnerability of marginalised groups to HIV. Therefore, the defeat of AIDS as a public health threat depends on how the world responds to COVID-19.
The whole of Africa, Zimbabwe as a country and National AIDS Council (NAC) as the co-ordinator of the national response are working flat out to revitalise HIV prevention so as to end AIDS by 2030.
The Guest of Honour for this function is our own Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Constantino Dominic Guvheya Chiwenga who will deliver a key note address. During the AIDS week the National AIDS Council has been holding webinars on various topics, among them: Faith Healing, Mental Health and HIV, HIV and the youths, and a whole lot more. Please visit the Heart & Soul and National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe Facebook pages to view these discussions.
NAC has launched the World AIDS Campaign theme, theme logo and theme song. The song was done as a collaboration by a number of local artists made up of musicians, poets and dramatists. There will be a World AIDS Day Rhythm running on NAC’s Facebook page and our valued publics will be informed when this starts.