HARARE (NNN-NEW ZIANA) -- The United Nations has hailed Zimbabwe for its policies and approach in fighting the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

At 13.7 per cent, Zimbabwe has the lowest prevalence rate in the Southern African Development community (SADC) region and up to 420,000 people are accessing anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment.

Speaking at the launch of the Zimbabwe Parliamentarians against HIV (ZIPAH) movement here last Thursday, UNAIDS country co-ordinator Tatiana Shoumulina said despite southern Africa being the epicenter of the pandemic, Zimbabwe had made significant strides in curbing HIV and AIDS.

“Zimbabwe is considered the best in mobilizing internal resources to fight HIV/AIDS. You might all agree with me that the AIDS Levy has gone a long way in this regard," she said.


She added that the UN was "committed to support and stand by you in your efforts".

"We are confident that Zimbabwe will achieve its objectives,” she said.

SADC Parliamentary Forum Secretary-General Essau Chiviya stressed the need for an all-encompassing regional approach in the fight against the epidemic. "If we managed to achieve liberation in the region as a result of combined regional efforts the same approach will surely not fail against HIV and AIDS," he said. -- NNN-NEW ZIANA

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