By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
Zimbabwe today joined the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day, observed each year on December 1, with this year’s national event being hosted in Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South.
The 2025 theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” calls for strengthened resilience and innovation as the country works toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.
In the build-up to the commemorations, the National AIDS Council (NAC) highlighted significant milestones achieved over the past 25 years. According to figures shared during a recent NAC press conference, 1.3 million Zimbabweans are living with HIV, while 1.2 million are currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART)—a major indicator of improved access to life-saving treatment.
Zimbabwe has also made notable progress toward the global 95-95-95 targets, which aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. NAC reported that 95% of people living with HIV in Zimbabwe know their status, 99% of those diagnosed are on ART, and 96% are virally suppressed. Officials say these achievements position the country among the leading performers in the region.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima reaffirmed the global message of the day, stressing that communities and countries have shown remarkable resilience in navigating disruptions while keeping the HIV response alive. She said the world is closer than ever to ending AIDS, urging nations to seize the moment and accelerate progress.
Local commemorations in Umzingwane are bringing together government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, people living with HIV, and community groups. Activities include HIV testing campaigns, community dialogues, wellness exhibitions and awareness programmes aimed at reinforcing prevention, treatment uptake and support services.
NAC officials emphasised that despite the strong progress, challenges such as funding gaps, social inequalities, stigma and emerging health system pressures continue to threaten gains made over decades. The 2025 theme, they said, serves as a reminder that the HIV response must continue to evolve and remain resilient in the face of disruptions.
As Zimbabwe reflects on its achievements and ongoing challenges, the commemorations in Umzingwane stand as a national call to sustain momentum, protect the gains made, and work collectively to build a future free from AIDS.
