Zambia surpasses 95-95-95 HIV targets

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango says Zambia has surpassed its 95-95-95 HIV treatment and viral suppression target, achieving 98-98-97. This means that 98 percent of all people living with HIV in the country know their status, 98 percent of those diagnosed receive sustained…

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango says Zambia has surpassed its 95-95-95 HIV treatment and viral suppression target, achieving 98-98-97.

This means that 98 percent of all people living with HIV in the country know their status, 98 percent of those diagnosed receive sustained Antiretroviral Therapy (Art) and 97 percent of people on treatment have achieved viral load suppression.

Mrs Nalumango has attributed the achievement to Zambia’s leadership and investment in the health sector as well as support from the United States of America government through its Peace Corps and other initiatives.

The Vice President said this in Lusaka last evening in a speech read for her by Permanent Secretary for Resettlement Division, Mavis Nkomeshya, during the launch of a documentary to mark 30 years of Peace Corps in Zambia.

“Through the Peace Corps, PEPFAR, and Zambia’s own leadership, the country has surpassed global HIV targets, achieving 98-98-97 among the general population. These achievements represent transformed lives and families preserved. We shall not forget those who stood with us in this fight,” Mrs Nalumango stressed.

She thanked Peace Corps volunteers for their contributions across health, education, agriculture, and community development, highlighting their impact in public health, especially Zambia’s fight against HIV.

The Vice President further reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to sustaining the gains in HIV treatment and welcomed continued collaboration with partners.

Speaking at the same event, US Embassy in Zambia Charge d’Affaires, Mich Coker noted that over 1.3 million lives have been saved through joint efforts between the Zambian government and the US government under the Peace Corps and other programmes.

Mr Coker added that Zambia’s average life expectancy has also been increased by about 20 years, following the continued collaborative efforts.

“This achievement belongs first and foremost to Zambia, to its national leadership, to its health professionals, to community health workers, to civil society organizations, to families and to people living with HIV,” he stressed.

Mr Coker welcomed the ongoing dialogue between the Peace Corps and the Ministries of Health, Education, and Green Economy and Environment, stressing that such engagement will strengthen relationships and guide the next chapter of collaboration.

Meanwhile, Peace Corps Zambia Country Director, Natalie Gill-Mensah, disclosed that 2,666 volunteers had served under Peace Corps in Zambia since it started in the year 1994.