Story by Patience Nyagato
ZIMBABWE is on course to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B as part of efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat.
The Minister of Health and Child care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, who addressed the National Validation Committee meeting in Harare this Wednesday, highlighted that Zimbabwe now stands at 6.4 percent mother-to-child transmission rate, a feet away to five percent target expected to be achieved by 2026.
“Our commitment is clear. We will continue to invest in prevention, treatment and community-driven approaches to ensure that no child in Zimbabwe is born with HIV. We have made encouraging progress, HIV prevalence is declining and mother-to-child transmission has dropped to 6.5 percent. Moving steadily towards our target of less than 5 percent by 2026. Nearly all pregnant women are now tested and treated for syphilis and efforts for hepatitis B elimination are gathering momentum, though more work is needed, especially on testing and the birth dose vaccine. Each of our 10 provinces must rigorously examine their programmes, confront their unique challenges, and find solutions that fit their communities,” he said.
Zimbabwe has been hailed as a global leader in the HIV response, with health partners describing it as a beacon of progress after the country met the world’s 95-95-95 targets a few years ago.
“With respect to the HIV response, Zimbabwe remains the global beacon in terms of achievements. Zimbabwe is the lead globally on the 95-95-95 targets, and that is not a mean achievement,” UNAIDS Country representative, Mr Henry Damisoni said.
“This milestone is more than a number. It is a reflection of the country’s unwavering commitment to protecting the health and the future of its children,” UNICEF Country representative, Ms Etona Ekole said.
“We are delighted that Zimbabwe is one of the early adopter countries for the six-monthly HIV prevention injection, which is a potential game-changer in HIV prevention,” WHO National Professional Officer for HIV, Dr Precious Andifasi noted.
With continued partnerships and investments, the country is now closer than ever to eliminating mother-to-child transmission and safeguarding the next generation.
