Harare, 3 Dec. 2013 -- On 1st December Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating World AIDS Day at a grand event held at Garwe Stadium in Chivhu. The event, which was held under the theme: Getting to zero new infections; zero discrimination, and zero AIDS related deaths, and the slogan My responsibility, your responsibility; brought together people living with HIV, AIDS activ-ists, partners, donors and members of the Chivhu community among others. The commemoration was preceded by a number of events chief among which were the launch of the PMTCT Option B+ and the adoption and launch of the Zimbabwe 2013 ARV Guidelines which recommend early initiation of ARVs at CD4 count ≤ 500 in adults and all HIV positive children below 5 years, and the use of simpler and safer regimens. The guest of honour, Cde Stembiso Nyoni, the Minister of Small to Medium Enterprises who spoke on behalf of the First Lady said these moves by the Government of Zimbabwe show a clear commitment to get to zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths in Zimbabwe.

Speakers on the day acknowledged and applauded Zimbabwe’s decreased HIV prevalence and incidence rates. Zimbabwe is one of the countries in the region that has recorded an impressive and significant decline in HIV prevalence over the past decade. HIV prevalence has declined from around 27% in 1997 to 15% in 2010. Globally, the efforts of Zimbabwe are now seen as a success story, and it is believed this is one of the reasons why Zimbabwe qualified as an early applicant for the Global Fund’s New Funding Mechanism. In his statement, WHO Representative Dr David Okello acknowledged the efforts of all involved in the HIV fight but urged them not relax. “We should avoid complacency, as the war against the HIV epidemic is far from over; we must continue with our fight against the pandemic, to sustain gains made and consolidate them with future gains,” he said. The National AIDS Council (NAC) was also acknowledged for administering the AIDS Trust Fund well and for their oversight in the mulit-sectoral response to the HIV pandemic.

Statements from people living with HIV and the NAC were urging people to take responsibility for their health and get tested, and once on ART to adhere to treatment. If the enthusiasm and commitment shown on the day is anything to go by, then the dream of getting to zero is not mere rhetoric but can be achieved by Zimbabwe.

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