Kabompo Town Council Chairperson, Presley Makayi says the government is committed to the national set target of 95 -95 -95 HIV prevention efforts being implemented as a country.
Mr Makayi said although there has been considerable global progress in the HIV prevention interventions since the 2001 UN special session on HIV and AIDS there was a need to double the HIV prevention efforts as a country to stay in line with global commitments to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Mr Makayi said this in Kabompo last night when he officiated at the district commemoration of the 2024 candle light memorial service which was being held under the theme “Take the Right Path” held at the United Church of Zambia.
“As a country we need to double our HIV prevention efforts for us to stay in line with the global commitment to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
“I want to report that we are committed to the National targets of 95 -95 -95 we are determined to ensure 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of people who know their status are receiving treatment,95 percent of people on HIV treatment have suppressed viral load,” Mr Makayi said.
He said the Ministry of Health, National AIDS Council and Partners have since adapted it to the local context as the aim was to fast track the national response as well which has also been pinned on the global Sustainable Development Goals.
He further called upon the Ministry of Health to ensure that the “Take the Rights Path” campaign was popularised as HIV was a public concern that needed to be tackled.
He further described the 2024 theme as a powerful reminder that the fight against HIV and AIDS was not just a public health issue but a human right issue as every person deserves equal access to health services, support and the freedom to live without fear of stigma or discrimination.
And speaking at the same event District Administrative officer, Darious Kahinga called for love for one another through embracing one another despite the HIV status.
District Health Director Chipili Lengwe said Kabompo has reduced the HIV infection rate in the year 2024 as compared to last year.
Dr Lengwe said a total of 9,547 people that were tested in 2024 gave a positivity rate of 2.8 percent resulting with 303 people testing positive compared to 2023 which saw a total of 9,515 tested and 426 tested positive.
