Zimbabwe has exceeded key global HIV targets ahead of schedule, UNICEF said on Monday, marking what the organisation described as a major milestone in the country’s fight against AIDS.
In a statement to commemorate World AIDS Day, UNICEF Representative Dr. Etona Ekole announced that Zimbabwe surpassed the UNAIDS 2025 “95-95-95” targets in 2024. The country reached 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed being on antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of individuals on treatment achieving viral suppression.
UNICEF also reported an 80% reduction in new HIV infections and a 95% ART coverage rate — progress it said reflects years of sustained investment, strong policy alignment and community-level mobilisation.
“On World AIDS Day, we celebrate Zimbabwe’s great progress,” Dr. Ekole said, commending @naczim, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, UNAIDS and UN Zimbabwe for maintaining close collaboration in the national response.
Despite the gains, UNICEF warned that economic and social shocks continue to weigh heavily on vulnerable communities, particularly children and young people.
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Dr. Ekole said the resilience of Zimbabwe’s youth remains central to sustaining momentum, noting their commitment to seeking services and advocating for their health rights.
“Despite these shocks, the strength of the young generation remains our greatest asset,” she said. “This World AIDS Day, we commit to transforming the AIDS response.”
UNICEF stressed that transforming the next phase of the HIV response will require deeper partnerships, improved data systems and greater localisation of funding.
The organisation also praised the Government of Zimbabwe and ZIMSTAT for “robust data collection and planning,” saying evidence-driven decision-making remains critical to protecting children’s right to life and health.
Zimbabwe’s progress comes at a time when global HIV financing is tightening, putting additional pressure on countries to strengthen domestic systems and community-driven support networks.
World AIDS Day is commemorated annually on 1 December.
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