NATIONAL TRIUMPH: ZIMBABWE “FIRMLY ON THE PATH” TO ENDING AIDS BY 2030 ​

Umzingwane – Zimbabwe is on the cusp of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared that the nation has not only met but surpassed critical global targets, placing the country firmly in control of the epidemic.

​In a stirring address on the eve of World AIDS Day 2025, the President celebrated the country’s monumental success in its HIV response, citing recent statistics that underscore a significant victory for national health efforts.

​The headline achievement is the nation’s performance against the globally recognized UNAIDS 95-95-95 Fast-Track targets.

​“Tomorrow, we join the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day… This year, we commemorate this day with immense pride. Not only did Zimbabwe reach the global 95-95-95 targets and achieved epidemic control in 2022 but now has surpassed the targets,” President Mnangagwa stated.

​The new figures, revealed by the President, show outstanding progress:

• ​97% of people living with HIV now know their status.

• ​Over 95% of those diagnosed are on life-saving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

• ​96% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.

​This viral suppression rate is crucial, as it means the vast majority of people on treatment cannot transmit the virus, effectively breaking the chain of infection.

​The President acknowledged that this success was achieved despite a challenging global environment, referencing the World AIDS Day 2025 theme: “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”

​He noted that global funding has declined, creating a necessity for increased domestic mobilization. He reaffirmed the critical role of the National AIDS Trust Fund (AIDS Levy), calling it a “predictable and sustainable resource base” that allows the country to maintain momentum. The government is also accelerating health delivery system reforms and integrating HIV services into primary healthcare to ensure that “testing, treatment, and advanced care are accessible at every level.”

​In a promising development, Zimbabwe has been selected as one of 10 countries globally to pilot the new long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, a measure expected to further revolutionize the prevention landscape.

​While celebrating the progress, President Mnangagwa stressed that the fight is not over, noting that “challenges remain.” Young people, women, and other vulnerable groups continue to carry a disproportionate burden of the epidemic. He emphasized the ongoing fight against stigma, which still discourages many from seeking necessary services.

​The President concluded by reaffirming the government’s unwavering focus: “As we look ahead, our focus is clear: expand access to prevention and treatment, integrate HIV services with other health interventions, address gender inequalities and stigma, and ensure the sustainability of our response through domestic resource mobilisation.”

​He ended the address with a powerful commitment: “Zimbabwe will end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.” The statement serves as a rallying cry, urging all stakeholders—from healthcare workers to communities and international partners—to consolidate the gains and finish the journey toward an AIDS-free generation.