Throughout her journey, she has maintained a sense of hope, noting that her experience has not been marked by significant challenges, as access to treatment and related services has always been available to her.
However, she acknowledges that stigma and discrimination remain persistent, particularly when traveling to certain countries. While treatment is accessible for many, she also points out that remote communities still face barriers to care, including long distances, lower education levels, and difficulties with treatment adherence.
The latest HIV estimates for suggest a positive trend, with the prevalence of HIV among adults aged 15 to 49 years declining from Zimbabwe has also embraced innovative HIV prevention methods, such as the cabotegravir CAB-LA injection, which is now available in selected health facilities. This long-acting injectable provides a new prevention option for people at high risk of HIV, representing a significant advancement in HIV care.
We look forward to continuing our efforts with all stakeholders to end AIDS by This improvement is largely driven by the rollout of child-friendly dolutegravir-based paediatric medicines, which are now available at health facilities nationwide, ensuring that even the youngest patients receive the care they need. Additionally, a new fixed-dose combination of paediatric HIV medicines will be introduced in , further enhancing treatment adherence and outcomes for children across the country.
The integration of family planning services, sexually transmitted infections STI testing and treatment, and HIV prevention and treatment at health facilities has made it easier for individuals to access comprehensive care in a single visit. This one-stop-shop model has been piloted at four sites across Zimbabwe, where it has demonstrated enhanced access and uptake of services. This model also incorporates positive masculinity and adolescent sexual and reproductive health ASRH initiatives, which are crucial for improving health outcomes for young people, especially in districts like Marondera, Beitbridge, and Bulawayo.
