Emerging therapeutics and pharmacology for the treatment and prevention of HIV and Aids have changed the healthcare landscape in the country.
Health minister Douglas Mombeshora said this in a speech read on his behalf by chief director in the ministry Maxwell Hove during a Candlelight Memorial Commemoration held at Vengere Community Hall in Rusape on the eve of World Aids Day commemorations.
The International Candlelight Memorial was running under the theme: Together we remember, together we heal, through love and solidarity.
“Advances in treatment and care have transformed the landscape of this epidemic,” Mombeshora said.
“With access to antiretroviral therapy, many individuals are living longer, healthier lives.
“However, we must recognize that our work is far from over.
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“Stigma and discrimination remain formidable barriers that prevent many from seeking the care they need.
“Today, I call upon each of you — community members, healthcare providers, and policymakers — to join hands in breaking down these barriers.”
Mombeshora urged communities to create an environment where every individual feels safe, respected, and empowered to access the services they require.
“Our government is committed to ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all,” he said.
“We are implementing policies that prioritise education, prevention, and treatment, while also addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to the spread of HIV.”
Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+) national chairperson of the executive council Marshal Makorovodo said they were
a network bound by shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
“Together, we uplift, empower, and advocate for one another, building a foundation of healing through connection and compassion,” he said.
“As we remember those we’ve lost, we must also acknowledge the progress we have made.
“Advances in treatment and care have transformed HIV from a death sentence to a manageable condition for many.”
ZNNP+ executive director Tatenda Makoni said this year's theme calls for action.
“Together we remember, together we heal, through love and solidarity urges us to place community at the heart of the HIV response,” he said.
“Communities are the backbone of our progress.
“It is through unity, compassion, and shared purpose that we can break down barriers, dismantle stigma, and create safe spaces for education, dialogue, and understanding.”
About 1,4 million people in Zimbabwe are living with HIV, and the health ministry says that some 1,2 million people are on ARVs