Theme for World Aids Day 2008 set

Features Editor Sarah Tikiwa - Sunday Mail

"ZIMBABWE-Proven Leadership in HIV Prevention: Scale Up Treatment, Care and Support Now" is the country’s theme for the 2008 World Aids Day commemorations.Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world tomorrow in commemorating World Aids Day amid calls for increased efforts in improving treatment, care and support for people infected and affected with HIV.

This year’s theme was adopted following consultations, and seeks to acknowledge the positive gains the country has achieved in the area of HIV and Aids. Zimbabwe registered a significant decline in the HIV prevalence rate from 33 percent in 1999 to the current 15,6 percent.

At a Press briefing in Harare recently, the chairperson of the World Aids Day planning committee, Pastor Maxwell Kapachawo, said while acknowledging Zimbabwe’s proven leadership in HIV prevention there were still gaps in the provision of treatment, care and support for those infected and affected."Our call for action is for all stakeholders to take the lead in issues of treatment, care and support," he said.This year’s main event will be held at Chipadze Stadium in Bindura where about 5 000 people are expected to witness various activities to mark World Aids Day.

Meanwhile, Power FM presenter, Leander Kandiero, will tomorrow take the lead in line with the global HIV and Aids leadership, as he embarks on a non-stop 24-hour broadcast in solidarity with all those infected and affected by the virus.Kandiero — who will be fasting throughout the day — said he hoped that the information carried throughout the day-long broadcast would help counter the stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.His initiative is the first of its kind and demonstrates how being innovative can significantly contribute towards addressing HIV and Aids.

The broadcast which will start at midnight, will feature interviews with people living with HIV, officials in Aids service organisations, phone-ins by members of the public, and highlights on key facts on HIV in Zimbabwe.