Parliamentarians have been urged to craft and develop policies that help to reduce HIV morbidity and mortality.
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda made these remarks during an HIV and Aids sensitisation meeting for parliamentarians last Friday.
He said proper policies sets out the rationale for effective action to address HIV, including the collaboration between national programmes for HIV and Aids and other diseases.
“A strong and effective HIV response requires not only financial resources, but also a robust governance framework,” Mudenda said.
“The fight against HIV and Aids is far from over. While we have made tremendous strides, challenges remain and your leadership as parliamentarians is critical in addressing them.”
The speaker urged parliamentarians to work together with HIV service organisations and development partners in the pandemic response.
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“We must work together across all sectors of our population,” Mudenda said.
“This meeting is a stepping stone towards a future where the burdens of HIV and Aids are steadily reduced.
“Let us leave this gathering determined to act.”
National Aids Council CEO Bernard Madzima emphasised the need for continued progress, citing the challenges posed by Covid-19 in HIV intervention programmes.
He stressed the necessity of a robust infrastructure, efficient transport systems, medicines, and a monitoring and evaluation system to achieve the 2030 targets.
“We need to create programs that provide insight,” Madzima said.
“For the HIV programme to succeed, there has to be a function, good infrastructure, medicines and commodities, efficient transportation system, and good health facilities.
“We also need advice, which has been talked about during the issues of Covid-19 and Mpox.”