The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) joined the international community in commemorating World AIDS day at a national event organized by the Ministry of Health in Zambia at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (ICC) on the 1st of December 2022.

This year’s World AIDS day theme, “Equalize, Closing the Gaps.” resonates with CIDRZ’s vision of ensuring a Zambia, and a region, in which, all people have access to quality healthcare and enjoy the best possible health.

Speaking at the event Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo said we can achieve this year’s theme “EQUALIZE” if we cut the pretense and face the HIV problem head-on.

She asserted that with the help from various stakeholders, including CIDRZ, Zambia has attained 90,90,90, and at the pace at which Zambia is moving, Zambia will reach the 95,95,95 target so long as we do not ignore the key populations that are more prone to infections.

During the commemoration, Keembe National Member of Parliament, Honorable Princess Kasune Zulu, boldly testified of how she has lived with HIV for nearly 30 years. She encouraged members of the public in low and high positions to come out boldly about their status and help in the fight against HIV for Zambia to exceed the required 95,95,95 target.

In addition to the national event, CIDRZ participated in other activities organized to commemorate this important day. The CIDRZ USAID Tuberculosis Local Organization Network (TBLON), participate in events held by the  Zambia Correctional Service and hosted by Kansenshi correctional facility in Ndola. CIDRZ team members also made a presentation and held awareness activity at an event organized by the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH) in Lusaka.