Advanced HIV threatens Zimbabwe's progress

Zimbabwe's progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 could be undermined by the growing burden of Advanced HIV Disease (AHD), health experts have warned.

AHD refers to the late stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely weakened, leaving individuals vulnerable to opportunistic infections and life-threatening complications. Experts say the trend of people presenting late for diagnosis and treatment is threatening to derail national gains in the HIV response.

"In Zimbabwe, we are not spared from people presenting late with advanced HIV. As a nation, we need to address that, as it can derail all the progress that we have made so far in our HIV fight," said Dr Nkazimulo Tshuma, Medical Director at Mpilo Hospital Centre of Excellence.

He noted that several factors contribute to the progression of AHD, including socio-demographic factors such as older age, male sex, illiteracy, and unemployment, as well as stigma and lack of awareness about HIV and its treatment.

According to experts, people with AHD are more likely to suffer from opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis, with the majority of AIDS-related deaths occurring in this group.

In an effort to curb the problem, the National AIDS Council (NAC) is working with communities to increase awareness and encourage early testing and treatment.

"We have created strategic alliances with civil society organisations, community leaders, and religious leaders in an effort to try and make sure people have an appreciation of the effects of AHD," said Douglas Moyo, NAC Programmes Officer for Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe has recorded significant achievements in reducing HIV prevalence and expanding access to antiretroviral therapy over the past two decades. However, health officials caution that without targeted interventions to address AHD, the country risks backsliding on its gains and missing the 2030 target.