The International Organization for
Migration (lOM) has pledged to continue partnering with government to ensure a
free HIV Zambia by the year 2030.
IOM Health Officer, Nomagugu Ncube,
said this during a three-day smart and targeted investment in HIV and AIDS
response in border town initiative workshop held in Chirundu
District.
Mrs Ncube said mobility is a driver of
HIV creating conditions for multiple sexual networks.
She said the conditions surrounding the
migration process increase vulnerability to HIV particularly for circular
migrants like truck drivers and cross-border traders.
"People are always on the move
from one point to another an d this makes it easier for the virus to cross
borders, too," she said
"We need to identify the
vulnerabilities and needs of the migrants," she added.
And National Aids Council (NAC) public
private sector coordinator, Ellen Mubanga, observed that despite the national
prevalence rate being 13.3 per cent border, areas are still recording high
prevalence rates.
She noted that new HIV infections in
border areas are also on the increase.
And Chirundu District Commissioner,
Alfred Hamunjo, who officially opened the workshop, said government and its
partners have prioritised implementation of high impact interventions to reduce
new infections.
"HIV is a common enemy to everyone
and it should be fought," he said.
"This enemy affects every human
being as well as the economy," he noted.
The smart and targeted investment in
HIV and AIDS response in Chirundu border town initiative workshop is being held
from 3rd to 5th February, 2016.
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