Zambia remains committed to reducing new HIV infections and achieving epidemic control by 2030, Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima has reaffirmed.
Speaking at the 2025 National HIV Prevention Symposium in Lusaka, and represented by National HIV/AIDS Council (NAC) Director General Dr. Kebby Musokotwane, Dr. Muchima highlighted the launch of the Zambia HIV Prevention Roadmap 2025–2030, which outlines the national vision and strategy for reaching this target.
He noted that the country has made commendable progress in HIV treatment, achieving the 98-98-97 targets through strong collaboration guided by the National Health Sector Strategic Plan. However, he warned that Zambia still faces serious challenges that require a more robust and coordinated multisectoral response. In 2024, the country recorded an estimated 30,000 new HIV infections, up from 23,000 in 2023. Adolescents and young people aged 15–24 accounted for 38% of these new cases.
Meanwhile, UNFPA Deputy Representative in Zambia Anna Holmstrom described the year as challenging due to disruptions in funding for reproductive health commodities. She explained that UNFPA provides 65% of Zambia’s reproductive health commodities, including most male condoms, but noted that 70% of distribution costs previously relied on U.S. funding. She commended the government for allocating $4 million for distribution next year and for investing $11.3 million in reproductive health commodities over the past three years, calling this level of domestic support a global best practice.
UNAIDS Country Director Isaac Ahemesah welcomed the symposium’s resolutions but warned that without urgent action, new HIV infections could rise to 60,000 by 2030. He stressed the importance of accelerating implementation of the national prevention roadmap, ensuring nationwide access to long-acting PrEP, and adopting a comprehensive HIV prevention package.
Mr. Ahemesah also referenced the global 80-60-30 targets, which require that by 2030, most HIV prevention services for key populations and adolescents be community-led, with 30% of service delivery monitored by communities.
The 2025 HIV Prevention Symposium was held under the theme: “Accelerating, Sustaining and Innovating HIV Prevention in a Rapidly Changing Global Landscape.”
