Zimbabweans on Antiretroviral Therapy Must Continue to Take Prescription Drugs – Zimbabwe

31 October 2018, Harare – In response to recent media reports of the discovery of a cure for HIV and AIDS, Dr. Alex Gasasira, WHO Representative in Zimbabwe, said: "There is no cure for HIV infection. However, effective antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) can control the virus and help prevent transmission, so that people living with HIV, as well as those at high risk, can lead healthy, long and productive lives. "
The United Nations wishes to reaffirm that, to date, there is no known and proven cure for HIV infection, but there is an effective treatment against infection with antiretroviral therapy and drugs.
Zimbabwe has very well established procedures for clinical trials. Clinical trials are the process by which all new medical approaches, including drugs, are rigorously evaluated to determine whether they are safe and effective in preventing and / or treating all ailments.
The United Nations in Zimbabwe wants to remind and encourage researchers. involved in the development of possible new treatments for all diseases, including HIV and AIDS, in order to submit them to the national clinical trial processes and procedures of the Ministry of Health and the Guard at the Ministry of Health. childhood (MOHCC).
The United Nations wishes to reiterate the advice provided by the MSCS to all clients on antiretroviral therapy for HIV and AIDS so that they continue to take their prescribed medications.
The use of antiretroviral therapy, in line with national guidelines, has improved outcomes for the health of people living with HIV. Any decision to stop or change medication should be made with the advice of licensed practitioners. The United Nations also wishes to remind the public to continue to limit exposure to risk factors for HIV infection.
National efforts supported by the UN; Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis; and the US President 's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and others have supported antiretroviral treatment for more than one million people living with HIV in Zimbabwe. . This led to a 63% reduction in AIDS-related deaths between 2010 and 2017 and better health outcomes.

The United Nations is helping Zimbabwe realize its commitment to end AIDS as a threat to public health by 2030. Zimbabwe is well on track to achieve this goal, as measured by the 90-90-90 treatment targets set for 2020. In December 2017: 87% of people living with HIV knew their status; 74% of them followed a treatment with a viral suppression of 87% among those followed.

The UN wishes to reaffirm its full commitment to support Zimbabwe's commendable efforts to meet national, regional and global targets for HIV and AIDS, including the implementation of the strategy. Accelerated Strategy to End the Epidemic in Accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

For more information, contact: Sirak Gebrehiwot, UN Communications Specialist United, e-mail: [email protected]; Cell #: +263 772 198 036