Lusaka Times, 19 October 2014
Director for Policy and Planning at the National Aids Council (NAC) says although projections show that Zambia's HIV/AIDS prevalence rate has reduced from 14 to 12.7% more needs to be done.
Elizabeth Mvula said despite positive strides recorded in the fight against the pandemic the situation still remains worrying.
This is contained in a press statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday by First Secretary for Press at Zambian embassy to Brazil Patson Chilemba.
Ms Mvula said this while leading a delegation involving officials from NAC and the civil society on a project themed "Strengthening of the National Strategic plan for HIV/AIDS" in Brasilia ,Brazil.
Ms Mvula said the study tour was aimed at getting important lessons, particularly that NAC was revising the strategic framework for people living with HIV/AIDS.
And Programme Manager for network of Zambia living with HIV Prisca Chintomfwa noted that there is need to emulate the Brazilian system which she said is more open and supportive in handling cases of discrimination.
Ms Chintomfwa said much emphasis against discriminating people with HIV/AIDS was revealed with strong supportive mechanisms which could lead to the prosecution of offenders.
Meanwhile, civil society coordinator at NAC Scrivener Kambikambi expressed happiness with the way Human Rights Commission in Brazil interacted with civil society on the joint committees that had been formed.
During their tour the delegation paid a courtesy call on Zambia's Ambassador to the Federative Republic of Brazil Cynthia Jangulo and other officials.
The delegation also presented a general overview of the Zambia HIV and AIDS situation during one of the meetings.
Source: Lusaka Times