Southern Province achieves 100% HIV treatment coverage milestone

Southern Province has reached a significant public health milestone, achieving 100% treatment coverage for HIV patients over the past year, Provincial Permanent Secretary Namani Monze announced yesterday.

Speaking at the 2024 Annual Performance Review Meeting for the TB/HIV programme in Livingstone, Dr Monze highlighted that this achievement comes at a crucial time, as the ZAMPHIA 2021 report shows Southern Province having the third-highest HIV prevalence rate at 13.2 percent, following Lusaka (14.4%) and the Copperbelt (13.6%).

Southern Province Health Director Dr Callistus Kaayunga reported that his office continues to work toward meeting the UN's three 95s targets for HIV and TB prevention and treatment. He also noted that the 2024 financial year saw strategic investments in infrastructure development, solar backup systems, and furniture.

The province is currently implementing a five-year TB and HIV prevention and treatment programme with support from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC). The initiative has created direct employment opportunities for 409 health personnel in the region.