HIV INFECTIONS DECLINE IN ZIM

GOVERNMENT is pleased with the trajectory of HIV infections which shows a continued decline for all age groups over the years from 40 900 to 24 900 between 2016 and 2020, the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care has said.

Dr John Mangwiro said this during the 33rd National World Aids Day commemorations held at Chinhoyi University grounds where he reiterated the purpose of the commemorations saying it was time of remembering those that have died of HIV and Aids, taking stock and reflecting on the progress in responding to HIV.

He said the day had now been compounded by its twin pandemic of the novel coronavirus scourge.

“Among adults the number of new infections have declined by 42,1 percent while in children it declined by 22,4 percent between the same period,” said Dr Mangwiro.

He said among the 10-19-years age group, infections declined by 44,3 percent and 44,4 percent among the 15-24 years age group.

Dr Mangwiro said in addition to these declines, the prevalence had dropped from 13,9 percent to 11,8 percent during the reporting period.

He said the statistics show that HIV prevention interventions that have been rolled out both bio-medical and social were bearing fruit.

“I am pleased to note that the progress we have recorded in HIV prevention has been complemented by our unrelenting efforts to scale up access to treatment,” said Dr Mangwiro.

He said he was glad that of the 1,3 million HIV positive people in Zimbabwe, 91,9 percent are on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) up from 88 percent in 2015.

Dr Mangwiro said focus should not be addressing Aids and Covid-19 alone, leaving behind other pandemics.

“Ignoring other pandemics will increase disease burden and might lead to repeating some of the omissions that have kept us from ending Aids,” said Dr Mangwiro.

The deputy minister said although the scourge keeps changing and assuming new variants, he was glad the Government had instituted bold steps which have already engendered positive outcomes.

He said both the number of infections and people succumbing had tumbled.

Dr Mangwiro said the recent emergence of Covid-19 had exposed the country’s system but was happy that the Government is prioritising the whole health delivery system for revamping to deal with future pandemics.

“In this regard, my ministry is spearheading the construction of 32 new hospitals, refurbishing and equipping old ones to ensure that all people have access to modern health care services and remove all inequalities in the provision of health care,” said Dr Mangwiro.

He added,” Despite the Covid-19 induced disruptions to HIV and Aids delivery system in 2020, our response to HIV has now rebounded and continued to firm.”

Mashonaland West Provincial Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said an estimated 143 524 people were living with HIV and Aids. She said a total of 129 992 are on ART.

NAC Chief Executive Officer Dr Bernard Madzima said he was glad that the country had achieved the 90-90-90 targets set for 2020.

“Fewer people than before are infected with HIV and dying from Aids and it gives us hope to achieve the 95,95,95 targets of 2025.

NAC Board Chairperson Margaret Mehlomakhulu encouraged Zimbabweans not to tire, especially the youths.

She said one day the nation will succeed if people are committed.

“There is no need to hurry to start having sex. You have the world to you as you grow up,” said Mehlomakhulu.

“Look after yourselves and educate those who are lost. Because I have found out that the youths always cheat each other and do things which are not supposed to be done.”

Mehlomakhulu said she hopes that one day people will come together and celebrate their achievements in ending Aids.