All roads will lead to John Cowie Primary School in Rusape today for the annual World Aids Day commemorations with a call on policy makers and citizens to address inequalities that hinder progress in ending Aids.
The commemorations run under the theme: ’Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Rights, My Responsibility.’
Latest global data indicates that Zimbabwe has achieved the highest decline in new HIV infections between 2010 and 2023 than any other country.
The country has already achieved the United Nations (UN) “95-95-95” targets.
The UN targets indicate that 95% of the people living with HIV (PLHIV) know their HIV status, 95% of PLHIV are on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of people who are on treatment have suppressed viral loads.
World Aids Day serves to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, call for action in the national response to HIV and celebrate successes which have been achieved in accessing HIV prevention and management services.
Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister, Misheck Mugadza, said the province was ready to host World Aids Day commemorations.
“This year we have been hosting most of the national events and I am happy we have been entrusted to host World Aids Day commemorations,” he said.
- All set for World Aids Day commemorations.
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Mugadza said ending Aids requires reaching and engaging everyone who is living with, and at the risk of getting infected with HIV.
“The theme highlights the importance of human rights in ending Aids, promoting inclusion and eradicating stigma,” he said.
“It calls on policy makers and citizens to address the inequalities that hinder progress in ending Aids.”
NAC provincial manager for Manicaland Artwell Shiridzinomwa said World Aids Day commemorations were meant to unite people around the world and to show support for PLHIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS- related illnesses.
District Aids coordinator for Makoni Spencer Banguza said the major highlight of today’s World Aids Day commemorations was a marathon.
“The marathon is open to everyone and this year we have a category for people with HIV and registration is still open,” he said.
Banguza said everything was in place to host the World Aids Day commemorations.
Last year's World Aids Day commemorations were held at Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North province.
