Rusape Ready to Shine:Hosting World AIDS Day

By Hamu Madzedze recently in Manicaland

Online Health Editor-Zimbabwe.

The National AIDS Council says preparations for this year's World AIDS Day set to take place on the 1st of December in Rusape are underway and nearing completion.

The National AIDS Council ,District AIDS Coordinator (DAC) for Makoni District Spencer Shingirai Banguza said this year's commemorations will be held at John Cower Primary School in Rusape and will kick off with a marathon featuring 5km, 10km, and 21km races.

"We have received overwhelming response from athletes across the country who are eager to participate in the race" said Mr Banguza.

Above image :Spencer Banguza NAC'S District AIDS Coordinator for Makoni District (Picture by Daphne Machiri)

The DAC also pointed out that the race is open to everyone and no registration fee is required.

He also pointed out that there will be prelaunch activities ahead of the World AIDS Day.

Banguza highlighted the significant strides the district has made in reducing HIV incidence rates and providing quality treatment ,care and support programs.

"The district has also implemented a community-based treatment ,support and care facilitators program, which provides door-to-door antiretroviral (ARV) delivery services for patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the district.

Banguza highlighted the importance of community participation in the district's HIV response, which has yielded positive results.

"Collaboration with various partners has also contributed to the success of the district's HIV response efforts" Banguza said.

Meanwhile the community of Rusape has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of hosting this year's World AIDS Day commemorations.

One of the community based facilitators Tanyaradzwa Chiteka said the hosting of the event in their district is a great honour as people will get information on the latest update on the countries HIV response.

Miriam Chizhanje said the World AIDS Day is an important day where they will remember those affected and infected by the virus and celebrate the unsung heroes who work tirelessly each day to ensure that by 2030 there will an end to AIDS.

Over 1.3 million people in Zimbabwe are living with HIV and the country is making strides to achieve the 95:95.95 UNAIDS targets.

The 95-95-95 targets are an ambitious initiative by UNAIDS to accelerate the fight against HIV.

These targets aim to ensure that by 2025, 95% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 95% of those who know their status are on antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed

Achieving these targets would significantly reduce the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.

This year's World AIDS Day is being held under the theme "Take the right path"