HIV related deaths on the decline

There has been a huge decrease in HIV-related deaths in Zimbabwe, owing to behavioural change, care and treatment. 
With about 10% of the population living with HIV, the country has one of the worst epidemics in the world. 
The National Aids Council indicates that for the past four years HIV-related deaths have been on the decrease. 
In 2007 there were 110274 recorded cases while in 2008 there were 98154. In 2009 there was a further decrease, with 83936 deaths and last year there were 71299. 
However, Aids network groups warn the mortality rate will increase. 
"Mortality will increase in the later years as a result of mortality in those who have been on anti-retroviral treatment (AVRs) for longer periods," said Douglas Moyo, the monitoring and evaluation officer for the National Aids Council. 
The year-on-year results could be linked to the socio-economic factors in the country, before the Global Political Agreement (GPA) brought the three principals to the table. 
The years before 2009 were characterised by hyperinflation and severe shortages of AVRs and food. 
The dollarisation of the economy has made it easier to intervene in the crisis. International organisations such as the Global Fund, Expanded Support Programme, Usaid, and Medicins Sans Frontieres are funding anti-retroviral programmes. 
The National Aids Council said the number of people on ARVs since last year is estimated to be above 500000, up from 315000 in 2009. ARV treatment is taking up 50% of the budget allocation for the council. 
"WHO treatment guidelines recommend that all people with a CD4 cell count of 350 and below should get treatment," Moyo said.