Staff Writer
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator His Excellency Edward Kallon, says while Zimbabwe has made commendable progress in the fight against the HIV epidemic, it still faces numerous challenges in achieving goal of ending AIDS.
Speaking at the World AIDS Day commemorations in Victoria Falls, Mr Kallon said the challenges include disparities in access to HIV services based on age, gender, and geography.
“Adolescent and young women are disproportionately affected by new infections, while children and key populations have limited access to services.
“National-scale implementation of programmes targeting adolescent girls and young women from key and vulnerable populations is yet to be achieved,” he said.
According to the 2022 Zimbabwe epidemic status report, approximately 1.3 million people, accounting for 8.7% of the total population, are People living with HIV.
Tragically, 20,000 lives have been lost to AIDS-related illnesses in the same year. The impact on women is particularly significant, as women make up 61% of the 1.2 million adults living with HIV.
Mr Kallon said to effectively end the pandemic in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Zimbabwe should undertake four critical actions, including:
First, we need to scale up HIV prevention and treatment programmes to cover all subpopulation groups, with a particular focus on adolescent girls and young women.
Second, community leadership and the engagement of men are crucial in addressing social norms related to gender equality and gender-based violence.
Third, enacting and enforcing laws and policies for key population groups is essential, and sustaining initiatives like social contracting and strengthening evidence generation for key and vulnerable populations.
Fourth, allocation of adequate funding and economic opportunities to communities as they connect individuals to person-centered public health services, foster trust, and hold providers accountable.
Fourth, end stigma and discrimination. To ensure no one is left behind, we must prioritize the strategic priorities outlined in NDS1, the 2022-2026 UN Cooperation Framework, and the Global AIDS Strategy, all of which put people first.
He called on stakeholders including the UN to continue supporting Her Excellency the First Lady Amai Mnangagwa and the Government of Zimbabwe in enabling and empowering communities to take on leadership roles. “Comprehensive and reliable funding, as well as capacity-building support, are critical to delivering inclusive and quality services,” he said.
“Furthermore, creating an enabling environment that facilitates community involvement in decision-making and protects the human rights of all, especially marginalized and key populations, is of paramount importance.”
He said addressing the underlying factors contributing to the spread of HIV, such as gender inequality and practices that perpetuate sexual and gender-based violence was crucial.
“Contrary to common belief, the greatest risk (of new HIV infection) lies with urban, educated adults in their productive and reproductive years who typically have greater mobility and disposable income. Reducing risky behavior by investing in behavioral science and communication for development is essential in addressing this issue,” he said.
“The paradigm shift calls for political commitment, increased financing, innovation, research, and advocacy for human rights and gender equality.
“By addressing these areas, we can overcome barriers and accelerate our progress towards ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.”
The UN Summit on the Prevention of Future Pandemics reaffirms the interconnectedness of health challenges.
By adopting a comprehensive and integrated approach to global health, Zimbabwe could strengthen health systems and respond more effectively to HIV/AIDS and future pandemics.
In this regard, Universal Health Coverage plays a pivotal role in our response to HIV/AIDS, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, has access to essential health services, including HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care.
“Together, we can build resilient health systems, reduce inequalities, and empower communities to lead us towards a future where HIV/AIDS is nothing but a distant memory.
“Let us end AIDS, with communities leading the way. This is an opportunity to reinvigorate our collective efforts and accelerate progress towards a Zimbabwe and a world free of AIDS and pandemics,” he said. The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “Let Communities Lead,” recognizing the vital role that communities play in shaping the HIV response and promoting global health.
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