Zambia : commemorates world AIDS day -

Read Time:2 Minute, 11 Second

𝐋𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚, 𝟏 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 — Zambia marked World AIDS Day 2025 with a renewed call to action and a major step forward in HIV prevention, as the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Elijah J. Muchima, officially launched 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒓, a new long-acting injectable PrEP option that offers fresh hope for young people and vulnerable populations.

Speaking during the national commemoration, held under the global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” Dr. Muchima reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. He noted that despite progress, the nation continues to face significant challenges, particularly among young people aged 15 to 24, who account for 38% of new infections.

According to the latest UNAIDS 2025 estimates, Zambia has reduced new HIV infections by 52% since 2010 and lowered AIDS-related deaths by 40%. The country has also surpassed the global 95-95-95 targets for adults, reaching 98-98-97. However, the Minister emphasized that “AIDS is not over,” and the response must now be more resilient, innovative, and community-driven.

The launch of lenacapavir marks a major milestone in expanding prevention options. “This new long-acting PrEP brings renewed hope,” Dr. Muchima said, adding that it will be rolled out alongside existing methods such as condoms, VMMC, and oral PrEP.

He also unveiled the Zambia 2025–2030 HIV Prevention Roadmap, a national strategy designed to cut new infections to 15,000 by 2030. The roadmap outlines five priority pillars and strengthens the role of communities, local authorities, and domestic financing, including the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), in sustaining the HIV response.

Dr. Muchima further highlighted Zambia’s commitment to integrating HIV efforts across education, social protection, and community development sectors, while calling on all stakeholders, development partners, civil society, the private sector, and young people to intensify prevention and accountability efforts.

“As a nation, we must turn disruption into an opportunity for transformation,” he said. “If we remain united, innovative, and focused, we can end AIDS as a public health threat and ensure that no Zambian is left behind.”

Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable medicine used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection. It is administered every six months, making it the longest-acting HIV prevention option currently available. By offering a discreet, reliable, and low-burden method of protection, lenacapavir is particularly beneficial for young people and individuals who may struggle with daily or frequent medication adherence. Its introduction in Zambia is expected to significantly strengthen national HIV prevention efforts and expand choices for those most at risk.