TENNESSEE, December 2nd, 2023,
Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States Mr. Chibamba Kanyama says news surrounding the future of the U.S President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEFPAR) is a concern for all.
Mr. Kanyama said the focus of African countries including Zambia has been about closing the gaps of HIV prevention, care and treatment.
Mr. Kanyama was honored as guest speaker at this year’s World Aids Day at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.
He emphasized that the purpose of World AIDS Day is to raise awareness of the ongoing HIV pandemic, to recognize those living with HIV as well as to remember those who have lost their lives to this epidemic.
He noted that the global intervention to combat HIV/AIDS, mainly through provision of antiretroviral drugs, has changed the story.
“The focus for most African countries, including Zambia, has been about closing the gaps of HIV prevention, care, and treatment for the populations most in need of HIV prevention. In the case of Zambia, The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEFPAR) has focused on the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission, pediatric diagnosis, and treatment,” Mr. Kanyama said.
” Through the work of PEPFAR, Zambia has exceeded UNAIDS HIV targets in treatment and viral suppression through close collaboration with the Zambian Government and other parties.”
Mr. Kanyama appealed to Meharry Medical College and all other professionals to support the ongoing efforts in Africa to close the gap on new infections.
“Help the African continent by lending your credible voice to policy makers, be it the US Congress, the United Nations and other governments to increase funding on HIV/AIDS related programs. As I heard this morning, there are concerns on the future of PEPFAR. We rely on you to ensure it continues,” said Mr. Kanyama.
This is contained in a statement issued by first Secretary for Press and Public Relations at Zambia’s embassy in Washington, DC Charles Tembo.
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