Zambia has launched a revised national strategic framework aimed at systematically respond to efforts being made toward the elimination of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the Times of Zambia reported on Thursday. 
The revised framework is a blueprint that guides the southern African nation in the implementation of responses to HIV/AIDS, with a focus on high impact interventions.
Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde said during the launch that the framework will provide fresh political momentum towards the eventual elimination of HIV/AIDS.
“It is possible that we can attain zero new infections, stigma, discrimination and AIDS-related deaths, we need to focus on intensifying our efforts,” he was quoted as saying by the paper.
The framework aims to eliminate access to treatment barriers which exist, promote evidence-based prevention and strengthening the role of Civil Society Organizations.
According to the Zambian minister, spirited interventions by stakeholders as well as efforts to insulate future generations from HIV/AIDS has placed by the country among high performing countries in the realization of national targets.
According to government figures, Zambia has recorded more than 51 percent reduction in the number of new HIV infections among children and seen the provision of free antiretroviral medication helping to reduce the number of HIV-exposed infants testing positive from 19,000 in 2009 to 9,500 in 2012.
UNAIDS Country Director Medhin Tsehaiu said during the same occasion that the launch was critical when countries are taking stock of the progress they have made on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Enditem
Source: Xinhua
