Zambia Committed To Ending AIDS By 2030, Says Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has pledged to eradicate AIDS in Zambia by 2030 by embarking on a programme of universal health coverage.

The president’s remarks were read on his behalf by Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya at an event to commemorate World AIDS Day at Kalingalinga grounds in Lusaka. His message expressed an appreciation to the the American government for supporting Zambia in its fight against HIV/AIDS. 

United States Chargée D’affaires David Young later hailed Zambia’s extraordinary achievement of 90-90-90 HIV epidemic control, meaning 90% of the country know their HIV status, 90% of those with HIV are on antiretroviral therapy and 90% of those on treatment have reached viral load suppression. Zambia is only the 7th country to attain this status.

Mr Young said this means HIV will no longer continue to be a leading cause of death and disability in Zambia. 

United Nations Resident Coordinator Coumba Mar Gadio also expressed his happiness with Zambia’s progress and called for continued collaboration between all stakeholders to sustain these gains. Her comments were delivered by UNAIDS Country Director Tharcisse Barihuta.