Stigma, discrimination hinder HIVAIDS fight: Zambian gov't

Zambia's Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane listens during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group's annual meetings October 22, 2024, in Washington, DC. [Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP]

The Zambian government said on Monday that stigma and discrimination have remained major obstacles to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country.

"These obstacles prevent individuals from seeking testing, treatment, and support," Minister of Health Elijah Muchima said during the commemoration of this year's World AIDS Day, falling on Dec. 1.

Citing the People Living With HIV Stigma Index Global Report 2023, Muchima noted that 52 percent of participants experienced some form of stigma in the preceding 12 months.

The government, he said, will ensure that all people, regardless of their HIV status, live openly with pride and free from judgment or fear, adding that ending stigma and discrimination empowers individuals to take charge of their health.

The minister said this year's theme --"Take the Right Path"-- is a reminder that ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 requires equitable access to quality healthcare and concerted efforts of individuals, communities, and countries.

He further called for strong partnerships to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic which has not only devastated lives but also negatively affected economies.

Muchima said strong partnerships are essential to ending the epidemic while emphasizing the necessity of elevating the voices of people living with HIV in the development of relevant policies and programs.

He underscored the remarkable progress Zambia has made in combating HIV/AIDS, indicating that the country has 1.34 million people living with HIV, of which 94.5 percent are aware of their status, and 98 percent of those who know their status are on life-saving treatment.

Muchima, however, acknowledged that significant gaps remain in rural parts of the country where healthcare access is limited.