News / National
Midlands make strides in HIV/AIDS fight
01 Jun 2025 at 14:54hrs | Views
The fight against HIV/AIDS in Midlands Province has seen remarkable progress, according to Provincial Affairs Minister Owen Ncube, who spoke during the recent Midlands Chiefs' HIV and AIDS sensitization meeting.
In his keynote address, Minister Ncube highlighted the province's achievements in line with the United Nations' AIDS treatment targets, including a 95% reduction in new HIV infections, expanded access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and improved rates of viral suppression.
"The Second Republic has managed to contain the once deadly HIV and AIDS, and the Midlands Province has made significant strides in this regard," Ncube stated, praising the collective efforts made across the province.
The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in partnership with the National AIDS Council, brought traditional leaders together to discuss their pivotal role in addressing health and development challenges within their communities.
Minister Ncube emphasized that the meeting took a holistic approach, addressing not only HIV/AIDS but also noncommunicable diseases, drug and substance abuse, disaster preparedness, learner safeguarding, and gender-based violence.
"This Indaba's comprehensive HIV and AIDS programming approach aligns with the Second Republic's National Health Strategy, which prioritizes strengthening health delivery systems and ensuring equitable, affordable quality services," Ncube explained.
Beyond health issues, Ncube raised concerns about environmental challenges facing the province, particularly the siltation of water bodies. He confirmed engaging the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency to find sustainable solutions.
The minister also called on traditional leaders to revitalize Village and Ward Development Committees (VIDCOS and WADCOS) to boost community engagement and enhance the dissemination of information and development plans. This initiative supports the government's vision of leaving no one and no place behind.
The meeting underscored the vital partnership between government and traditional leadership in promoting health, development, and social cohesion across Midlands Province.
In his keynote address, Minister Ncube highlighted the province's achievements in line with the United Nations' AIDS treatment targets, including a 95% reduction in new HIV infections, expanded access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and improved rates of viral suppression.
"The Second Republic has managed to contain the once deadly HIV and AIDS, and the Midlands Province has made significant strides in this regard," Ncube stated, praising the collective efforts made across the province.
The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in partnership with the National AIDS Council, brought traditional leaders together to discuss their pivotal role in addressing health and development challenges within their communities.
"This Indaba's comprehensive HIV and AIDS programming approach aligns with the Second Republic's National Health Strategy, which prioritizes strengthening health delivery systems and ensuring equitable, affordable quality services," Ncube explained.
Beyond health issues, Ncube raised concerns about environmental challenges facing the province, particularly the siltation of water bodies. He confirmed engaging the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency to find sustainable solutions.
The minister also called on traditional leaders to revitalize Village and Ward Development Committees (VIDCOS and WADCOS) to boost community engagement and enhance the dissemination of information and development plans. This initiative supports the government's vision of leaving no one and no place behind.
The meeting underscored the vital partnership between government and traditional leadership in promoting health, development, and social cohesion across Midlands Province.
Source - Midweek
