Govt must enforce COVID-19 prevention
AS of December 1 2020, the Health and Child Care ministry reported that the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 10 129 after 95 new cases were reported, all local cases. Active cases went up to 1 209.
The total number of recoveries now stands at 8 489, after 154 recoveries were recorded. The death toll rose to 277 after one death recorded.
We highlight a report from the second Zimbabwe Populationbased HIV Impact Assessment survey (Zimphia 2020), which was conducted between November 2019 and March 2020 led by the Health and Child Care ministry with various partners engaged and participating.
Zimphia is a household-based national survey among adults (defined as individuals aged 15 years and older). We note that the Zimphia 2020 methodology offered HIV counselling and testing with return of results to participants and collected information about the uptake of HIV care and treatment services.
We note with commendation the ongoing progress towards achieving HIV epidemic control by 2030 in the country.
We note particularly in regard to the HIV 90-90-90 target that:
86,8% of adults living with HIV are aware of their status.
97% of those aware of their status were on anti-retroviral treatment.
90,3% of those on treatment, achieved viral load suppression.
We also note that this week, the country's main ports of entry officially reopened to private passenger vehicles and pedestrians and that travellers have been observing strict COVID-19 health regulations.
We urge strict enforcement for COVID-19 prevention and safety protocols to ensure accurate and early detection of potential cases at entry points.
We further urge health authorities to ensure prioritisation of the safety of all returnees by ensuring that the handling of returnees is conducted in a safe and expedient manner, without exposing them to COVID-19. Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe