Samuel Mbewe
Lusaka, December 31, 2024 – The Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) has revealed that Copperbelt Province has the highest HIV prevalence rate in the country, standing at 15.4%.
The report, shared during the Association’s end-of-year media briefing in Lusaka, highlights that Lusaka follows closely with a prevalence rate of 15.1%. Meanwhile, Muchinga Province recorded the lowest rate at 5.4%.
ZMA President, Dr. Kaumba Tolopu disclosed that 11.1% of the national population aged between 15 and 49 years is currently living with HIV. Dr. Tolopu emphasized the disproportionate impact of the disease on women, with a prevalence rate of 14.2%, compared to 7.5% for men.
Dr. Tolopu also identified key at-risk populations, including military personnel, sex workers, truck drivers, and individuals working in fisheries. These groups, he noted, face heightened exposure to HIV due to various factors such as mobility, occupation-related risks, and limited access to prevention resources.
The primary modes of HIV transmission in Zambia continue to be sexual contact, intravenous drug use, and mother-to-child transmission. Dr. Tolopu underscored the need for comprehensive efforts to increase awareness and promote effective prevention strategies, particularly in high-risk areas.
The Zambia Medical Association has called on both government and civil society to intensify efforts in tackling the HIV epidemic through education, accessible healthcare, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.
As the nation continues to combat HIV, Dr. Tolopu emphasized that it is critical for individuals to practice safe behaviors and for society to adopt a collective approach to reduce the transmission of the virus.
The ZMA’s report serves as a stark reminder of the continued urgency to address HIV prevention and care in Zambia, particularly in regions with high prevalence rates.
The Association is hopeful that ongoing efforts will contribute to a significant reduction in new HIV infections and improve the overall health and well-being of those living with the virus.
