The Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, highlighted the urgent need to address the high rate of new HIV infections among adolescents and young people, which accounts for 38% of annual cases. To combat this, the Zambian government has implemented a range of strategies, including early HIV detection measures, to ensure timely treatment, especially for young people.

Dr. Muchima emphasised that, in collaboration with stakeholders like CIDRZ, the government has made significant progress in providing adolescents and young people with access to HIV information, testing, counseling, and treatment services in youth-friendly spaces.

He said these environments are designed to be welcoming, encouraging young people to seek health services without fear or judgment.

Dr Muchima alluded that,additionally, more healthcare providers have been trained to be sensitive to the unique needs of adolescents. “This training equips them with the skills to address the specific concerns of young people, ultimately encouraging them to seek healthcare services without hesitation. Through outreach testing initiatives, over 1.4 million adolescents and young people were reached with HIV testing services last year alone, representing 37% of the target population”,he said.

He said this during a speech read on his behalf by Lusaka Province Health Director Dr Simulyamana Choonga during the National HIV Testing, Counselling, and Treatment Day held  in Chongwe District under the theme:”Free Your Mind! Test for HIV Today! Secure Your Future.”

Meanwhile,United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Ms. Beatrice Mutali,who was represented by Dr O-Tipo Shikanga, emergency Preparedness Cluster Lead – World Health Organisation, underscored the critical importance of HIV testing and counselling.He said that there is no HIV treatment without HIV testing and counselling. “If we do not achieve 95% knowledge of HIV status in all populations and all locations, significant progress will remain a challenge”,he asid.

He further emphasised the need for sufficient and sustainable resourcing of the HIV program, including widespread HIV testing and counselling, to reach the 2025 target of 95% knowledge of HIV status.

And PEPFAR DREAMS Coordinator Christine Kiruthu Kamamia, speaking on behalf of U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales, highlighted the longstanding partnership between the United States government and the Zambian government.She said Since 2004, PEPFAR has collaborated with the Ministry of Health and the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council (NAC) to coordinate a national HIV response, ensuring access to health services for all Zambians.

“As a result of these efforts, Zambia has seen a significant decrease in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, with 96% (1,284,407) of the estimated 1,342,688 people living with HIV currently on treatment”,she said.

However, Ms Kamamia emphasised that the battle against HIV is far from over. She said “We need to intensify our case-finding efforts to test and initiate treatment for adolescents and young people to curb the surge in the HIV pandemic”.