By Morgan Chomba,
Copperbelt Provincial Health Director Dr. Charles Mwinuna says the province has made significant progress in the fight against HIV, with most people living with HIV now knowing their status, receiving treatment, and successfully suppressing the virus.
However, Dr. Mwinuna says Copperbelt continues to record one of the highest numbers of new HIV infections in the country. He says the province is expanding access to HIV prevention services, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), particularly for people at higher risk of infection.
Speaking during a media breakfast in Kitwe organized by the Copperbelt Provincial Health Office, with support from the Centre forInfectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) and Coalition Health Zambia, Dr. Mwinuna said the introduction of long-acting injectable Cabotegravir and the expected rollout of Lenacapavir offer new opportunities to reduce HIV transmission.
Dr. Mwinuna has also emphasised the important role of the media in raising public awareness, dispelling myths and encouraging communities to access HIV prevention services.
