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At its peak from the 1990s to early 2000s, the HIV and Aids pandemic was frightening.  

Then, a positive diagnosis meant extreme sickness and emaciation followed by a sure loss of life.  That led to a boom in the orphan population.  National resources came under pressure as authorities had to find ways to run programmes to discourage risky sexual behaviour, secure medication for the treatment of the infected, care and other provisions.  The needs of the orphans also had to be addressed.  

It was really bad then for our country and other high-burden HIV and Aids countries in southern Africa.

However, much investment in discouraging risky behaviour and wider access to anti-retroviral treatment as well as care have eased the burden remarkably.  The HIV prevalence rate has fallen from 26,5 percent in 1997 to 10,49 percent now.  As there is greater access to medication including that which prevents mother-to-child transmission, the population of children orphaned by HIV and Aids is declining. Also, due to wider access to treatment, many more of our people who are infected are taking the drugs, leading healthy, productive lives and living for much longer than before.  

Last year, the country achieved the 95-95-95 Joint United Nations Programme (UNAids) targets on HIV and Aids resulting in a decrease in infections and deaths.

UNAids 95-95-95, denotes that 95 percent of people on treatment have their viral load undetectable, while 95 percent of all HIV-positive people know their status and 95 percent of those who know their status are on treatment.

The national anti-retroviral therapy coverage now stands at 99 percent of the 1,3 million HIV-positive people.

Data released in December last year showed that since 2013, Zimbabwe had recorded the highest decline of 78 percent in new HIV infections in Eastern and Southern Africa, making the country a trendsetter in HIV prevention and treatment.

These milestones are evidence that the worst of the pandemic is over and the country is on course to completely overcoming it by 2030.  

However, we enjoin our people to keep their feet on the ground.  

As the Minister of Health and Child Care said at an event to commemorate World Aids Day in Rusape yesterday, the country recorded 15 400 new HIV infections last year.  Of that number, 9 200 were among women.  Also, female adolescents accounted for 1 500 of the 1 700 new infections.

These figures must also push authorities, development partners and our people to intensify implementation of strategies to tackle the factors that predispose women to greater infection. Society must socially, economically and empower women so they take sovereign decisions about their health. On their part, the womenfolk must fight to claim their space so they don’t continue to suffer unnecessarily.

The young and unmarried must abstain from sex. It is not their time yet. When their time comes, they, as well as the rest of the older population, must behave, being most faithful to one sexual partner.  

Regular testing for HIV is essential. Anyone who tests positive is encouraged to seek treatment.