Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Government is confident that HIV transmission will continue to decrease across the country and achieve the HIV free nation status.
Speaking during the honoring of twelve HIV champions by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Lusaka today, Health Minister Joseph Kasonde says more than 600, 000 people are currently on life saving Anti-Retroviral medication.
Dr. Kasonde says in 2013 alone, nearly 200, 000 men volunteered to undergo medical male circumcision, a procedure proven to reduce a man’s risk of HIV infection by up to 60 percent when used in conjunction with other appropriate preventive measures.
Dr. Kasonde states that more than two million Zambians are tested and counseled annually for HIV.
He says Zambia is possibly in the last and most difficult stretch in achieving an AIDS-free generation.
Speaking at the same event, United States Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission David Young says over the past ten years, PEPFAR has contributed more than ten billion kwacha in support of Zambia’s HIV response.
Mr. Young says data are encouraging with UNAIDS reporting a 58 percent reduction in new HIV infection and more than a 50 percent reduction in AIDS – related deaths between 2001 and 2011.
He says more than 500, 000 Zambians are alive today because of the life saving interventions.
And PEPFAR Acting Country Coordinator Dr Tamu Daniel says the most unfortunate thing is that not all Zambians at the moment can access HIV services for a variety of reasons.
Report by Albert Mpezeni