Zimbabwe is making remarkable strides toward eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, positioning itself as a global leader in the fight to end AIDS as a public health threat.
The progress was highlighted at a National Validation Committee meeting held in Harare, yesterday, where the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to achieving global health targets.
Dr Mombeshora revealed that Zimbabwe has now reduced its mother-to-child HIV transmission rate to 6.4 percent, just a step away from the five percent global target expected by 2026.
“Our commitment is clear. We will continue to invest in prevention, treatment, and community-driven approaches to ensure that no child in Zimbabwe is born with HIV.
“We have made encouraging progress. HIV prevalence is declining, and nearly all pregnant women are now tested and treated for syphilis. Efforts for hepatitis B elimination are also gathering momentum, though more work is needed, especially on testing and the birth dose vaccine. Each of our 10 provinces must rigorously examine their programmes, confront their unique challenges, and find solutions that fit their communities,” he said.
The country’s gains in HIV management have not gone unnoticed by its international partners. UNAIDS Country Representative, Henry Damisoni praised Zimbabwe’s efforts.
“With respect to the HIV response, Zimbabwe remains the global beacon in terms of achievements. Zimbabwe is the lead globally on the 95-95-95 targets, and that is not a mean achievement,” he said.
Similarly, UNICEF Country Representative, Ms Etona Ekole, applauded the milestone, describing it as more than just statistics.
“This milestone is more than a number. It is a reflection of the country’s unwavering commitment to protecting the health and the future of its children,” she said.
Adding to the recognition, WHO National Professional Officer for HIV, Dr Precious Andifasi, pointed to Zimbabwe’s innovation in prevention.
“We are delighted that Zimbabwe is one of the early adopter countries for the six-monthly HIV prevention injection, which is a potential game-changer in HIV prevention,” he remarked.
Zimbabwe has previously earned global acclaim for being among the first countries to achieve the 95-95-95 goals, ensuring that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
With sustained momentum, partnerships, and targeted investments, Zimbabwe is on the cusp of a historic health achievement. The elimination of mother-to-child transmission will not only secure the health of newborns but also safeguard the future of the nation by ensuring that the next generation is free from preventable infections.
