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Aids related deaths decline from 2022 figures

  “In 2023, we recorded 15,000 new HIV infections and 17,000 deaths related to AIDS. The battle is far from over,” he said.

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Brenna Matendere

A record 17 000 people died of Aids in the year 2023 which is a sharp decline from the figures of last year where 20 000 perished from the pandemic .

This was revealed by the National AIDS Council, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Benard Madzima, at John Cowie Primary School in Rusape as the community gathered to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1.

  “In 2023, we recorded 15,000 new HIV infections and 17,000 deaths related to AIDS. The battle is far from over,” he said.

Last year’s World Aids Day commemorations were held at Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North province.

 Dr. Madzima Madzima made a clarion call on policy makers and citizens to address inequalities that hinder progress in ending Aids.

The commemorations ran under the theme: “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Rights, My Responsibility.”

Latest global data indicates that Zimbabwe has achieved the highest decline in new HIV infections between 2010 and 2023 than any other country.

The country has already achieved the United Nations (UN) “95-95-95” targets.

The UN targets indicate that 95% of the people living with HIV (PLHIV) know their HIV status, 95% of PLHIV are  on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of people who are on treatment have suppressed viral loads.

World Aids Day serves to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, call for action in the national response to HIV and celebrate successes which have been achieved in accessing HIV prevention and management services.

Health Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora who was guest speaker at the event, emphasized the country’s continued progress in reducing new HIV infections. He highlighted the ambitious 95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.

US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, also addressed the audience, expressing solidarity and commitment to supporting HIV interventions in the country.

“Since 2020, the United States has invested over a billion dollars in response interventions,” she said.

The ambassador emphasized on the importance of international collaboration in combating the epidemic.

Before the commemorations were held, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister,  Misheck Mugadza, said ending Aids requires reaching and engaging everyone who is living with, and at the risk of getting infected with HIV.

“The theme highlights the importance of human rights in ending Aids, promoting inclusion and eradicating stigma,” he said.

“It calls on policy makers and citizens to address the inequalities that hinder progress in ending Aids,” he said.

NAC provincial manager for Manicaland Artwell Shiridzinomwa said World Aids Day commemorations were meant to unite people around the world and to show support for PLHIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS- related illnesses.

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