By White Luhanga
Zambia recorded 23,000 new HIV infection cases in 2024, and over one-third of them occurred among adolescents and young people.
Speaking during the National Consultation Meeting for the Global AIDS Strategy 2026-2031, Acting Minister of Health Douglas Sykalima called for collaborative efforts to address existing gaps and ensure that everyone has access to services in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Sykalima says the New Dawn Government, under the able leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema remains committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat by the year 2030.
The Minister says the targets of 95-95-95 have been reached, with 96% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 98% of those who know their status are on treatment, and 97% of those on treatment have viral load suppression.
He says the HIV prevalence rate in Zambia is 11.5%, translating to 1,341,098 people living with HIV, of which 1,303,472 are receiving treatment.
Mr. Sykalima says the Ministry of Health has put in place various measures such as accelerated prevention, enhanced treatment access, community engagement and strengthened health systems in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Beatrice Muatali commended Zambia for its efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS and saying there is a need for the country to do much more.
She reaffirmed the UN’s support towards the fight against HIV/AIDS.
And National AIDS Council Director-General Kebby Musokotwane says the council will continue working with the government and other partners to ensure impactful interventions towards the fight against HIV/AIDS.