Hopeful Aids trend in Zimbabwe but 'more is needed', warn activists
An increase in the number of people on antiretroviral treatment (ART) has resulted in a decline in the number of Aids-related deaths in Zimbabwe.
But Aids activists have warned that the promising figures should not make people complacent.
The latest report by the National Aids Council says that, of the estimated 1.3-million Zimbabweans living with HIV/Aids, about 1.1-million are on treatment.
Tendai Westerhof, country director for Pan African Positive Women's Coalition in Zimbabwe, said despite the decline in deaths, the country must increase its fight against the pandemic. "We must not be complacent. We must ensure young people, especially women, are protected from HIV infection."
The report says that adult HIV prevalence was at 12.8% last year - a decline from 16.5% in 2008.
"The decline in HIV/Aids-related deaths is as a result of an increase in survival of ART clients on treatment," the report says.
The report says about 85% of the health facilities in the country are offering ART, and only 1% of these sites reported stock-outs last year.
"The country has achieved the desired target, based on the 2018 HIV estimates, that 87% of all people living with HIV are receiving antiretroviral therapy," it says...
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