Author: Chanda Michael Mulimansenga; PhD, MD, MPhil, MPH, MBA, BSc.HB, FRSPH
Executive Director- Coalition Health Zambia
Introduction
In 1984, Zambia diagnosed its first case of HIV. Four decades later, the nation has made remarkable strides in combating the epidemic. By 2024, over 1,350,000 Zambians know their HIV status, and 98% of those diagnosed are receiving lifesaving antiretroviral therapy (ART), thanks to the unwavering support of the United States Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other partners.
The Transformative Power of ART
The goal of antiretroviral treatment is viral suppression, reducing the virus to undetectable levels where it no longer poses a threat to the infected individual or their sexual partners. In Zambia, 96% of adults on treatment have achieved viral suppression, a testament to the effectiveness of the ART program. Unfortunately, the viral suppression rate among children remains a challenge. Addressing this gap is crucial to achieving an AIDS-free generation.
Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission: A Beacon of Hope
Facilities like the University Teaching Hospital, Wusakili Hospital under Mopani Mines and many more in Zambia, have recorded phenomenal success in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Through consistent treatment before, during, and after delivery, many HIV-positive mothers have given birth to HIV-negative babies – a true testament to the power of ART.
HIV: From a Death Sentence to a Manageable Condition
In the 1980s and 1990s, an HIV diagnosis was seen as a death sentence. Today, HIV is a manageable chronic condition. People living with HIV can live long, healthy lives if they adhere to treatment and achieve viral suppression. The stigma that once surrounded the disease is steadily being dismantled.
Encouraging Testing and Treatment
If you do not know your status, now is the time to get tested. Early diagnosis is key to accessing life-saving treatment. For those who test positive, trained healthcare professionals are available at every health facility to provide support and initiate you into the treatment program.
For convenience, self-testing kits are now widely available and come with simple instructions. If your result is reactive, visit the nearest health facility or testing center for a confirmatory test.
Do not be left behind. Know your HIV status and plan your life better.
World AIDS Day Themes (1998–2024)
Here are the themes that have guided global and national HIV/AIDS awareness efforts over the years:
Themes
2024 Take the rights path
2023 Let Communities Lead
2022 Equalize
2021 End inequalities. End AIDS. End pandemics.
2020 Global solidarity, shared responsibility
2019 Communities make the difference
2018 Know your status
2017 My health, my right
2016 Hands up for HIV prevention
2015 On the Fast-Track to end AIDS
2014 Close the gap
2013 Zero discrimination
2012 Together we will end AIDS
2011 Getting to zero
2010 Universal access and human rights
2009 Universal access and human rights
2008 Stop AIDS. Keep the promise – lead, empower, deliver
2007 Stop AIDS. Keep the promise – leadership
2006 Stop AIDS. Keep the promise – accountability
2005 Stop AIDS. Keep the promise
2004 Women, girls, HIV and AIDS
2003 Stigma and discrimination
2002 Stigma and discrimination
2001 I care, do you?
2000 AIDS: men make a difference
1999 Listen, learn, live! World AIDS campaign with children and young people
1998 Force for change—world AIDS campaign with young people
1997 Children living in a world of AIDS
1996 One world, one hope
1995 Shared rights, shared responsibilities
1994 AIDS and the family
1993 Time to act
1992 AIDS – a community commitment
1991 Sharing the challenge
1990 Women and AIDS
1989 Our lives, our world – let’s take care of each other
1988 A world united against AIDS
Conclusion
Let us continue to fight stigma, spread awareness, and work towards a future free of AIDS. Together, we can end the epidemic!
Bibliography
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