HEALTH and Child Care permanent secretary Aspect Maunganidze has cautioned stakeholders against complacency in the fight against HIV, emphasising the importance of sustaining progress.
Speaking at the completion ceremony of the INTEGRATE-Catalysing Integrated Sustainable Subnational HIV Biomedical Prevention project, hosted by Population Services for HEALTH (PSH), Maunganidze highlighted the project’s significant achievements over its four-year cycle.
“This event represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat HIV and Aids in Zimbabwe bringing us closer to our goal of ending Aids by 2030,” he said.
“Over the past few years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in our fight against HIV. Zimbabwe has reached the UNAids 95-95-95 targets, achieving epidemic control. This success is a testament to the dedication, hard work and collaboration of everyone involved in HIV and Aids prevention, treatment and care.
“However, our journey continues. In order to maintain the gains, we must continue to build on these achievements and address the remaining challenges which may be missing certain populations, including key and vulnerable populations and children.”
The INTEGRATE project was funded to the tune of US$19,7 million by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation now Gates Foundation, resulting in key results following its successful implementation.
“We have seen an increase in the coverage of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) service delivery at primary health facilities due to the decentralisation of service delivery to at least 30% of primary facilities. By revising the nursing curriculum to include a module in HIV prevention and treatment, we anticipate that service providers’ coverage will improve as we graduate into our first cohort in 2025,” Maunganidze added.
“The project has enhanced the capacity of district health executives in planning and coordinating the VMMC programme through an input financing sub-award, seconded district officers, and participation in an organisational development course. This enabled the managers to lead the planning of the VMMC and HIV biomedical prevention services in their respective districts . . .”
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PSH board chairperson Precious Chakasikwa, while highlighting the project’s key achievements, also reflected on vital lessons learnt during its implementation over the four-year period.
“Each challenge we faced provided us with valuable insights and opportunities for growth. We learned the importance of adaptability and the need to remain flexible in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Our ability to innovate and find creative solutions was essential to overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals,” she said.
“We also recognised the significance of clear communication and collaboration. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and mutual respect, we were able to harness the collective strengths of our team and partners.
“This project has reinforced the value of teamwork and the incredible results achieved working together towards a common purpose.”
The other implementing partners and sub-awards for the INTEGRATE project included ZIM ITECH, ZIMCHIRE, ZACH, Precious Innovations, CHAI and SafAIDS.
