leeroy mupaririTrust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
AIDS and HIV transmission must be eliminated in children and adolescents by 2030, Government has promised.
Speaking at the regional consultation meeting to review progress in scaling peer provider services towards ending AIDS in children and adolescents on Tuesday, Permanent Secretary for Health and Child Care Dr Aspect Maunganidze, who was represented by Harare provincial medical director Dr Innocent Hove, said there was need to mobilise resources towards that cause.
“In 2022, the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children by 2030 was established to mobilise multi-sectoral stakeholders at global, regional, and national levels to ensure early testing, comprehensive treatment and care, close the treatment gap, prevent new infections, and address rights and gender-related barriers to care.
“Like many of you, Zimbabwe is an active member of this global alliance and is wholeheartedly committed to closing the gaps for children and adolescents and ending AIDS in this population by 2030.”
He highlighted that globally 2,4 million children and adolescents living with HIV faced stark disparities in healthcare access, particularly regarding life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
“Adolescents continue to experience the highest rates of treatment attrition, failure, morbidity, and mortality compared to both children and adults.
“This gap is further exacerbated by mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, which significantly hinder treatment adherence and contribute to elevated mortality rates.
“It is crucial that we support children and adolescents living with HIV through focused service delivery, age-appropriate resources, and psychosocial and mental health interventions to achieve positive health outcomes.”
In 2023, an estimated 55 percent of adolescents living with HIV were on ART, compared to 76 percent of adults.
Furthermore, only 48 percent of adolescents on ART achieved viral suppression, in contrast to 79 percent of adults.
The three-day meeting is being attended by representatives from 14 African countries including Ghana, Namibia, South Sudan, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia.
The Ministry of Health is hosting the meeting in partnership with Zvandiri, a local NGO and with technical support from WHO and UNICEF while financial support is coming from the Mulago Foundation and the ELMA Foundation.
Zvandiri is a Zimbabwean organisation supporting children, adolescents, and young people living with HIV through peer-led clinics, community and digital services.
