Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, highlighting the country’s progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS during the High-Level Meeting on Ending HIV/AIDS held in New York from 22 to 24 June.
Speaking before delegates attending the meeting, Kwidini said Zimbabwe had made significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS and remained firmly committed to achieving the global goal of ending the epidemic as a public health threat within the next four years.
“Zimbabwe remains fully committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Our progress over the years demonstrates what can be achieved through strong political will, strategic investments, community engagement and partnerships at national, regional and global levels,” said Kwidini.
He said the country had achieved the globally recognised 95-95-95 targets, a major milestone in the HIV response.
“Zimbabwe is proud to have attained the 95-95-95 targets, meaning that the vast majority of people living with HIV know their status, are receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment and have achieved viral suppression.
“This achievement reflects the resilience of our health system and the dedication of healthcare workers, communities and development partners,” he said.
The 95-95-95 targets aim to ensure that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
Despite the progress, Kwidini warned that the fight against HIV/AIDS was far from over and called for continued investments to sustain gains made over the years.
“We must not allow resource constraints to reverse the progress that has been achieved. Sustained and predictable financing remains critical if we are to maintain treatment programmes, strengthen prevention efforts and reach vulnerable populations that continue to face barriers in accessing services,” he said.
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of ensuring equitable access to healthcare services and medicines for all communities.
“No one should be left behind. Equitable access to prevention, treatment, care and support services is essential if we are to achieve our shared goal of ending AIDS. We must continue to reach women, young people, key populations and underserved communities with quality services,” he said.
Kwidini also underscored the role of community-led initiatives in HIV’s response.
“Community-led responses have been central to our success and must remain at the heart of our efforts. Communities understand local realities and are best positioned to support prevention, treatment adherence and stigma reduction,” he said.
He further called for stronger international cooperation in addressing the epidemic.
“Global solidarity remains indispensable. HIV/AIDS is a global challenge that requires a collective response. We must continue working together to protect the gains achieved, close remaining gaps and ensure that future generations live free from the threat of AIDS,” said Kwidini.
Zimbabwe is regarded as one of Africa’s success stories in the fight against HIV/AIDS, having significantly reduced new infections and AIDS-related deaths over the past two decades through expanded access to antiretroviral therapy, prevention programmes and community-based interventions.
The country continues to align its HIV response with global commitments under the UNAIDS strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals.
