Zambia’s envoy concerned over future of US AIDS Relief programme, calls for sustenance

Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States, Chibamba Kanyama, has said news surrounding the future of the U.S President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEFPAR) is a source of concern for all.

Kanyama said the focus of African countries including Zambia had been about closing the gaps of HIV prevention, care and treatment.

The Ambassador said this at this year’s World AIDS Day at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, according to a statement issued by Charles Tembo, the First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian mission in the United States.

He noted that the purpose of World AIDS Day was to raise awareness of the ongoing HIV pandemic, to recognize those living with HIV as well as to remember those who have lost their lives to this epidemic.

“In the case of Zambia, The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEFPAR) has focused on the elimination of Mother to Child Transmission, pediatric diagnosis, and treatment,” Kanyama said.

He noted that the global intervention to combat HIV/AIDS, mainly through provision of antiretroviral drugs, has changed the story.

Kanyama appealed to Meharry Medical College and all other professionals to support the ongoing efforts in Africa to close the gap on new infections.

“Through the work of PEPFAR, Zambia has exceeded UNAIDS HIV targets in treatment and viral suppression through close collaboration with the Zambian Government and other parties,” he stated.

Kanyama appealed to the Meharry Medical College to help the African continent by lending a credible voice to policy makers, be it the US Congress, the United Nations and other governments to increase funding on HIV/AIDS related programs.

“As I heard this morning, there are concerns on the future of PEPFAR. We rely on you to ensure it continues,” he said.

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