NAC Zambia nac.org.zm
The Copperbelt Province recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in 2024 with Lusaka province having the greatest number of people living with HIV. This was revealed during the 2025 HIV Estimates Dissemination Meeting, which was graced by the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima, MP, who was represented by Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services.
In his keynote address, the Minister highlighted that new HIV infections had declined significantly, from 67,585 in 2005 to 29,782 in 2025. Of the 29,782 new infections, 37 percent were among adolescents which calls for need to have more targeted interventions for young people. He further noted that mother-to-child transmission had dropped to 5.9 percent compared to 30 percent in 2005. The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting evidence-based interventions to sustain the progress made in the HIV multisectoral response. However, he cautioned against complacency among all players, especially in the context of withdrawn external support.
Also present at the event was United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, Mr. Seth Broekman, who warned that AIDS-related deaths could rise by 2029 if the current funding gap is not adequately addressed. He emphasized the importance of using data to advocate for resources and reaffirmed the UN system’s support to the Zambian Government to ensure that the national HIV multisectoral response remains evidence-based and innovative.
Representing the United States Government, Ms. Jennifer Somtore stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in the use of resources. She reiterated the U.S. Government’s commitment to building the capacity of health workers and promoting the integration of HIV services into other health programs, an approach which she said has already shown positive results. She underscored that such integration is critical to strengthening and sustaining the HIV response.
The National AIDS Council, Director General urged participants to use the shared statistics to monitor indicators such as Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) coverage. He called for stronger collaboration between Government and stakeholders to address new infections among pregnant women and adolescent.
In his closing statement, the Permanent Secretary envisioned the establishment of a philanthropic account where the private sector and mining companies could contribute to an investment fund that can be used to manage pandemics in future such as the rising cases of HIV new infections.
Download the KYE 2025 here
