Health
Zambia Calls for Renewed Global Commitment to End AIDS by 2030
THE Government of the Republic of Zambia has called for renewed global solidarity and sustainable financing to sustain progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS and end the epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. This is according to a press statement issued…
Picture: Mwebantu
THE Government of the Republic of Zambia has called for renewed global solidarity and sustainable financing to sustain progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS and end the epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
This is according to a press statement issued by Namatama Njekwa, First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations.
Delivering Zambia’s national statement at the 2026 High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS on Monday, 23 June 2026, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. George Sinyangwe reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to work with the international community to reduce HIV to levels where it ceases to be a public health threat.
Dr. Sinyangwe highlighted that Zambia has attained UNAIDS’ epidemiological targets of 98-98-97. This reflects 98% of people living with HIV know their status, 98% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 97% of those on treatment have viral suppression.
Despite the gains, he noted Zambia still faces challenges: rising HIV incidence among young people, emergence of drug resistance, growing burden of non-communicable diseases, and contraction in external financing.
“Failure to renew global commitment to the HIV response could lead to increased drug resistance, premature deaths, reduced life expectancy and loss of productivity,” Dr. Sinyangwe warned. He appealed for global leaders to unite as they did two decades ago to pool funding for HIV.
He also showcased Zambia’s growing capacity in training doctors and nurses, and expressed readiness to collaborate with other nations on health workforce development.
Opening the meeting, UN General Assembly President H.E. Annalena Baerbock said multilateral action has turned HIV from a death sentence into a manageable condition, but progress is threatened by shrinking funding. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed the need to close treatment gaps, protect human rights, and secure sustainable financing. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima warned that declining development assistance and shrinking civic space could undermine efforts to end AIDS.
Zambia’s delegation is led by Dr. Sinyangwe and includes Permanent Representative Dr. Chola Milambo and National AIDS Council Director General Dr. Kebby Musokotwane. The High-Level Meeting is convened every five years since 2001 and reviews progress toward the 2021 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS while negotiating a new declaration to guide the next five years.
(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 24th June, 2026)
Source: Mwebantu — Read the original article
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