A Multilevel Analysis of the Determinants of HIV Testing in Zimbabwe: Evidence
from the Demographic and Health Surveys
A national HIV testing program was implemented a decade ago in Zimbabwe,
providing HIV treatment to millions of HIV-positive individuals, many of whom
previously struggled with the illness due to unknown HIV status.
By 2015, Zimbabwe sought to half new HIV infection
prescribed by the World Health Organisation’s strategic plan.
Although, it has been a daunting task, adult HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe
has almost halved from its peak of nearly 30% around 1997 to around 13.7% in 2011.
HIV related deaths have also been reduced by over 60% as a result of a successful
HIV testing, treatment and support programme.
However, despite government’s efforts to stem HIV scourge, Zimbabwe
remains one of the countries in Sub-Saharan African countries
still burdened with HIV epidemic.
The current aim in the post2015 era is to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
To achieve this, the government, in collaboration with its partners have set up the
90-90-90 strategic milestones to be achieved by 2020.
The milestones means that by 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status,
90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy and
90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral load suppression.
For this reason, HIV testing services need to be available and accessible to all people
to enable easy utilisation
HIV/AIDS Res Treat Open J. 2017; 4(1): 14-31. doi: 10.17140/HARTOJ-4-124
