US gives Zambia US$400 million for HIV response

The United States Government has given the Zambian Government over 400 million dollars about K4 billion to support its HIV response under the 2017 Country Operational Plan (COP17.

US Ambassador to Zambia Erick Shultz says Zambia will also receive an additional 11 million dollars to carry out additional Voluntary Medical Male Circumcisions (VMMC).

Mr. Shultz says the program currently supports more than 700,000 people on anti retroviral treatment (ART), HIV testing for more than two million people per year, and prevention of mother to child transmission services available to nearly 100 percent of pregnant women.

Speaking during a media briefing held at Ngombe clinic in Lusaka this morning, Mr. Schultz says according to the new data, girls aged between 15 and 24 are 15 times more likely to become infected with HIV as their male counterparts.

And speaking at the same event, Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya commended the U.S government for giving Zambia over 400 million dollars.

He says government is committed to ensuring that the country reaches an epidemic control and ultimately eliminate HIV before 2030, hence the need for all stakeholders to work together in eliminating the virus.

And Dr. Chilufya says government will introduce new interventions in the fight against HIV such as Test and Treat so as to reduce new infections.

Meanwhile Zambia last year alone recorded 46, 000 new HIV infections.

United Nations Resident Coordinator, Janet Rogan disclosed this in Lusaka today during the official opening of the Young Entrepreneurs and Innovators Exhibition and National Youth Forum under the theme: “Unity and Innovation for a smart Zambia”.

Ms Rogan says 4.8 percent of girls and 4.1% of boys between the ages of 15 and 19 are living with HIV in Zambia.

She however, says the rate of mother to child transmission of HIV is now very low as most children are born HIV free.

Ms Rogan says surveys show that only 40% of girls and 49% of boys aged 15 to 24 used a condom.

She notes that this was risky sex and has since encouraged the youth to use condoms during sex.

Speaking at the same Forum, Vice President Inonge Wina says government will continue equipping young entrepreneurs with appropriate professional, vocational and entrepreneurial life skills for their well improved well being.

Mrs. Wina says government will also continue empowering youths with affordable capital through various empowerment schemes.

Speaking earlier, Youth, Sport and Child Development Minister Moses Mawere expressed confidence that the forum which has attracted over 54 young entrepreneurs across the country will be beneficial to the young entrepreneurs.

And UNESCO Regional Director, Professor Hubert Gijzen described the forum as a transition towards true sustainability needed during this century.

He says the foundation for this to happen, lies in the successful implementation of Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals.