Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata has urged Zambians to remain resilient in the fight against HIV/AIDS, despite cuts in funding by international donors.
Speaking at a candlelight memorial church service ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1, held under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” Ms. Mulyata emphasized that progress in Zambia’s HIV response should not be slowed by challenges.
The Minister noted that society has faced significant disruptions in recent years, including climate shocks, shifting social norms and economic pressures.
However, Ms. Mulyata highlighted that the HIV response has demonstrated resilience through adaptability, innovation and community engagement.
Ms. Mulyata called on Zambians to rise above disruptions and ensure that social, economic or technological challenges do not hinder progress.
She also pointed to steady reductions in new HIV infections, increased access to treatment and improved quality of life for people living with HIV, attributing these gains to enhanced government resource allocation to the health sector.
“Zambia has expanded access to HIV testing, youth prevention programmes, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services and differentiated service delivery models that bring care closer to communities. Yet challenges remain, especially among adolescents, young women, key populations,and rural communities,” Ms. Mulyata said.
And UNAIDS Country Director Isaac Ahemesah reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Zambia’s HIV response.
“Together as the UN, we will continue to support the national response and push for community-led initiatives to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zambia Inter-Faith Networking Group on HIV/AIDS (ZINGO) Executive Director Sivers Hamukoma called for increased funding to strengthen the fight against the pandemic.
The candlelight service also paid tribute to the late TALC Executive Director Felix Mwanza, who passed away over a year ago, with his son Mwelwa Mwanza leading the eulogies.
