The National Aids Council (NAC) is on a mission to track down at least 100,000 HIV positive Zimbabweans who are avoiding life-saving antiretroviral treatment.
This revelation comes as Zimbabwe celebrates significant strides in providing treatment for those living with HIV, with over 1.2 million people currently receiving medication.
Despite these achievements, the NAC is concerned about the significant number of individuals who are not seeking medical care.
“Currently Zimbabwe has 10,6 percent of the population that are HIV positive and about 1,2 million are on treatment out of 1,3 million, so we are left with 100 000 people and we are looking for them,” said NAC acting chief executive officer Amon Mpofu.
Mr. Mpofu emphasized that there is no excuse for anyone living with HIV to avoid treatment. “It is no longer shameful to get treatment. We have realised that if everyone is on treatment and their viral load is suppressed, their chances of transmitting HIV are very minimal. This is why we are encouraging every Zimbabwean who is HIV positive to get treated.”
Zimbabwe has made significant progress in its fight against HIV/AIDS, becoming one of the countries to achieve the 95-95-95 target. This goal aims to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
“The principal goal is to end Aids by 2030 and Zimbabwe is well destined to achieve that. I think you are aware that Zimbabwe is one of the countries that has recently achieved 95-95-95. We want to make sure that everyone knows their HIV status, those who know their HIV status are put on treatment, if anyone here is not feeling well because of HIV, please, you don’t have to be afraid. Go to your nearest clinics and hospitals ARVs are available,” said Mr. Mpofu.
The NAC acknowledges that the success of the national HIV response is a testament to the leadership’s commitment to combating the epidemic.
“We would want to thank our leaders for the brilliant idea of setting up this unique fund, the Aids Levy. It is unique in the sense that it’s the best practice the world over. Other countries have come here to try and learn and understand how Zimbabwe came up with this approach but they have failed. Let’s thank our leadership for this brilliant idea,” said Mr. Mpofu.
The Aids Levy, a dedicated fund for HIV/AIDS programs, has played a crucial role in financing treatment, prevention, and care initiatives.
“These are the funds we are using for the development of prevention, buying antiretroviral drugs and making sure that HIV is the business of everyone. Because the NAC cannot do it alone. We have to bring all stakeholders together so that we work together,” explained Mr. Mpofu.
The NAC’s efforts to track down the missing 100,000 individuals highlight the ongoing challenges in reaching everyone in need. Stigma, fear, and lack of access to healthcare services are some of the factors that contribute to individuals avoiding treatment.
The NAC is urging all Zimbabweans to play their part in ending the AIDS epidemic.
“Everyone needs to know their HIV status, and those who are positive should seek treatment without delay. Together, we can achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030,” said Mr. Mpofu.
