September 20, 2022
Zambia commemorated its National HIV Testing Counselling and Treatment Day on August 15, 2022. The country remains one of the most heavily effected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic, disproportionately affecting females within its borders. Prevalence is highest in districts near international borders, along the main transit routes, and adjacent to other sections with very high concentration of infection rate.
Group poses in HTCT Day shirts
To address this, Ciheb-Zambia joined the rest of the country in commemorating the National HIV Testing, Counselling, and Treatment Day (HTCT). The event, officiated by the Minister of Health, Hon. Sylvia Masebo, had the theme ''Let's Stop HIV Together #GetTestedToday!” The Minister highlighted that the National HTCT day helps Zambians focus on the country's efforts toward increasing HIV testing and counseling as a part of the fight against HIV/AIDS. She stated that HTCT Day aims to empower communities to access the country's wide range of health services and get tested for HIV. These health initatives and testing services promote awareness and increase prevention and treatment of disease. It is estimated that 12.3% of people aged 15 to 59 in Zambia live with HIV. However, over 90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status. Of those that do, 98.6 % or 1.2 million are on life-saving antiretroviral treatment (ART), with 96% being virally suppressed, according to the ZamPHIA 2021 preliminary results.
Activities like HTCT Day are vital in getting testing and treatment to Zambians who require it and achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 fast-track goals. As a result of these strategic efforts, the number of people living with HIV enrolled in ART increased from 530,702 in 2013 to over 1,000,000 in 2019. Annual HIV infections (for all ages) in Zambia have declined from 60,000 in 2010 to 51,000 in 2019. By reducing the infections and mortalities from HIV, Ciheb-Zambia hopes to increase the quality of life of all Zambians.
Contact
Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity
Institute of Human Virology
Anthony Okoth
Regional Communications Specialist
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