https://en.sputniknews.africa/20241203/combating-stigma-zambias-fight-to-end-hivaids-by-2030-1069522951.html
Combating Stigma: Zambia’s Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030
Combating Stigma: Zambia’s Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030
Sputnik Africa
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, supporting those living with the virus, and... 03.12.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-12-03T12:50+0100
2024-12-03T12:50+0100
2024-12-03T12:50+0100
sub-saharan africa
zambia
hiv/aids
east africa
world health organization (who)
united nations (un)
disease
virus
health ministry
health
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The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, highlighting stigma and discrimination as major challenges. During this year's World AIDS Day, Health Minister Elijah Muchima stressed that these barriers deter individuals from accessing essential testing, treatment, and support services.Muchima further reportedly underscored the importance of fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of their HIV status, can live openly and without fear.The theme for this year, “Take the Right Path,” emphasizes equitable access to healthcare and collaboration among individuals, communities, and nations. The minister called for strengthened partnerships and the active inclusion of people living with HIV in policy and program development, highlighting their critical role in shaping effective interventions.Despite significant progress—94.5% of the 1.34 million Zambians living with HIV are aware of their status, and 98% of those are on life-saving treatment—gaps persist, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. Addressing these disparities will require focused efforts and increased investment, Muchima noted.According to the People Living With HIV Stigma Index Global Report 2023, almost a quarter (23.6%) of participants reported experiencing at least one instance of stigma or discrimination related to their HIV status in the past year. The most frequently mentioned experiences involved being aware of people making discriminatory comments or gossiping, with 14.2% coming from other individuals and 12.6% from family members. Moreover, 84.8% of respondents expressed internalized stigma, feeling ashamed of being HIV-positive.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240508/namibia-is-first-african-nation-to-make-huge-progress-in-ending-mother-to-child-hiv-transmission-1066423985.html
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zambia, hiv/aids, east africa, world health organization (who), united nations (un), disease, virus, health ministry, health, healthcare
zambia, hiv/aids, east africa, world health organization (who), united nations (un), disease, virus, health ministry, health, healthcare
Combating Stigma: Zambia’s Fight to End HIV/AIDS by 2030
Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, supporting those living with the virus, and commemorating lives lost to the epidemic. Established in 1988 by the WHO and UN, it aims to combat stigma, promote prevention, and highlight global efforts to end the epidemic.
The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to
ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, highlighting stigma and discrimination as major challenges. During this year's World AIDS Day, Health Minister Elijah Muchima stressed that these barriers deter individuals from accessing essential testing, treatment, and support services.
"These obstacles prevent individuals from seeking testing, treatment, and support," Health Minister Elijah Muchima said during the commemoration of this year's World AIDS Day, as cited by media.
Muchima further reportedly underscored the importance of fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of their HIV status, can live openly and without fear.
The theme for this year, “Take the Right Path,” emphasizes equitable access to healthcare and collaboration among individuals, communities, and nations. The minister called for strengthened partnerships and the active inclusion of people living with HIV in policy and program development, highlighting their critical role in shaping effective interventions.
Despite
significant progress—
94.5% of the 1.34 million Zambians living with HIV are aware of their status, and 98% of those are on life-saving treatment—gaps persist, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. Addressing these disparities will require focused efforts and increased investment, Muchima noted.
According to the People Living With HIV Stigma Index Global
Report 2023,
almost a quarter (23.6%) of participants reported experiencing at least one instance of stigma or discrimination related to their HIV status in the past year. The most frequently mentioned experiences involved being aware of people making discriminatory comments or gossiping, with 14.2% coming from other individuals and 12.6% from family members. Moreover,
84.8% of respondents expressed internalized stigma, feeling ashamed of being HIV-positive.
