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Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]

THE National Aids Council is hunting for at least 100 000 people who despite being HIV positive are evading getting life-saving antiretroviral drugs.

At least 10,6 percent of the country’s population is said to be living with HIV and the majority are on treatment.

National Aids Council (NAC) acting chief executive officer Dr Amon Mpofu said Zimbabwe has made significant strides in getting treatment for those living with HIV but there is a concern that some individuals do not want to seek medication.

“Currently Zimbabwe has 10,6 percent of the population that are HIV positive and about 1,2 million are on treatment out of 1,3 million, so we are left with 100 000 people and we are looking for them,” said Dr Mpofu.

He said there is no excuse for anyone to be HIV positive and not be on treatment.

Dr Mpofu said Zimbabwe is one of the countries that has made strides in ensuring that those who are infected by HIV get treatment as soon as possible.

“The principal goal is to end Aids by 2030 and Zimbabwe is well destined to achieve that. I think you are aware that Zimbabwe is one of the countries that has recently achieved 95-95-95. We want to make sure that everyone knows their HIV status, those who know their HIV status are put on treatment, if anyone here is not feeling well because of HIV, please, you don’t have to be afraid. Go to your nearest clinics and hospitals ARVs are available,” said Dr Mpofu.

“It is no longer shameful to get treatment. We have realised that if everyone is on treatment and their viral load is suppressed, their chances of transmitting HIV are very minimal. This is why we are encouraging every Zimbabwean who is HIV positive to get treated.”

He commended the country’s political leadership for coming up with the Aids Levy saying it has brought so much positive change in the treatment of those with HIV.

“We would want to thank our leaders for the brilliant idea of setting up this unique fund, the Aids Levy. It is unique in the sense that it’s the best practice the world over. Other countries have come here to try and learn and understand how Zimbabwe came up with this approach but they have failed. Let’s thank our leadership for this brilliant idea,” he said.

“These are the funds we are using for the development of prevention, buying antiretroviral drugs and making sure that HIV is the business of everyone. Because the NAC cannot do it alone. We have to bring all stakeholders together so that we work together.”

-@nqotshili