Staff Writer
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr Edward Kallon says the HIV response has come so far that the end of AIDS as a public health threat was achievable by 2030.
Speaking at the World AIDS Day commemoration in Rusape, Mr Kallon highlighted progress, resilience, and urgent action in Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV and AIDS.
The event, held under the theme “Take the Rights Path,” emphasized the critical role of human rights in ending the epidemic.
“Today, we reflect on Zimbabwe’s determined journey against HIV—marked by significant milestones, ongoing challenges, and unyielding hope,” Mr Kallon said.
He praised Zimbabwe’s notable achievements, including surpassing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets with results of 95-99-96 in 2023, a testament to the country’s robust response framework supported by the AIDS levy and global partnerships such as the Global Fund and PEPFAR.
Progress was highlighted through data showcasing an 80% decline in new infections since 2010 and a 66% reduction in AIDS-related deaths. Mother-to-child transmission rates also fell significantly, from 23.8% to 7.4%.
Yet, challenges persist, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young women, who accounted for 21.8% of new infections, and marginalized communities, which contributed 15.8% of new cases in 2022.
Mr Kallon pointed to structural inequalities, including gender-based violence and child marriages, as exacerbating the epidemic’s impact on women and girls.
He called for a strong commitment to human rights, emphasizing that “only rights can fix these wrongs.”
The address served as a rallying cry for continued action, urging stakeholders to:
Uphold the rights of women and girls as a cornerstone in the AIDS response.
Advocate for repealing discriminatory laws that hinder access to healthcare for key populations.
Expand sexual and reproductive health services and implement a comprehensive HIV sustainability roadmap.
“Our actions today will determine whether we achieve an AIDS-free future or face severe repercussions,” Mr Kallon warned, emphasizing the need for collective, sustainable efforts to bridge gaps in Zimbabwe’s National Strategic Plan and secure lasting progress.
World AIDS Day, traditionally observed on 1st of December, serves as a global platform of solidarity, uniting us in support of individuals living with HIV and remembrance of those who have succumbed to AIDS.
As Zimbabwe leads by example, the message was clear: global and national solidarity, anchored in human rights, remains pivotal to achieving the ambitious goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
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