04:50 01.01.2008 | All news from "AIDS/HIV"

Zimbabwe: 'Zim Committed to Meeting ARV Universal Access Targets'

ZIMBABWE is committed to meeting its target for universal access to anti-retroviral drugs for people who need them by 2010, Mashonaland West Governor Cde Nelson Samkange has said.

Speaking at a belated World Aids Day commemoration at Murereka Primary School, Lions Den in Chinhoyi recently, Cde Samkange said efforts would continue to ensure more people have access to the life prolonging drugs.

"Zimbabwe takes its universal access targets seriously and has managed to assist nearly 50 000 clients on ARVs this year alone. The number of people accessing ARVs, which is expected to reach 120 000 at the end of the year, now stands at nearly 100 000 out of nearly 300 000 who need them," he said.

He said funding through the Global Fund and the Expanded Support Programme has gone a long way in improving access to drugs.

Zimbabwe, however, has not been considered in the next round of funding from the Global Fund. Observers and Government have blamed this development on politics. Cde Samkange said everyone should be accountable for their actions and behaviour stressing that the fight against the pandemic should not only be left to certain sections of the community.

"This focus is intended to make all ofus responsible -- that our actions in private and public must contribute to national efforts to address the Aids epidemic in our country," he said.

He urged politicians to mainstream HIV and Aids in their work to increase awareness and buy-in from the constituents they lead.

Co-ordinator of the commemorations and Zimbabwe Red Cross Society programmes officer responsible for HIV and Aids Mr Trymore Manhanzva said this year's commemorations held under the theme "Lets all take a lead in HIV Prevention and Care," comes when the country has registered success in the fight against the pandemic.

The celebrations were organised by the National Aids Council and the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society.



http://allafrica.com/