Mozambique recorded 44,000 deaths related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS in 2024, including 10,000 children, and reported 92,000 new infections, 37% of which occurred among adolescents and young people, bringing the total number of people living with the virus to 2.5 million.
During the central ceremonies for World AIDS Day, held on Monday, 1 December, in Maputo, Prime Minister Benvinda Levi expressed concern about the magnitude of the problem. “Regrettably, in 2024 there were 44,000 deaths related to the epidemic, including 10,000 children. These numbers show the magnitude of the challenge we still face,” she stated.
Despite progress in combating the disease, Benvinda Levi warned that the epidemic continues to disproportionately affect adolescents, young people, women, and children. She also highlighted that the country is close to global targets. “About 87% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 91% have suppressed viral loads,” she said.
The Prime Minister explained that these advances result from the implementation of differentiated service delivery models, the strengthening of community-based approaches, and protection of access to antiretroviral treatment, with quarterly and semi-annual refills. However, she acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in calibrating testing in provinces with higher HIV incidence.
To overcome these difficulties, Benvinda Levi presented the Government’s priorities, highlighting the strengthening of sexual education in schools, a measure expected to reach more than 7 million students. She also mentioned the expansion of self-testing for hard-to-reach populations, the implementation of differentiated care models, the delivery of antiretrovirals at the community level, and the reduction of stigma and discrimination.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the National Council for the Fight against AIDS, Francisco Mbofana, warned of signs of complacency among the population. “A citizen asked me: ‘Does AIDS still exist?’ This shows the extent of complacency. There are movements that discourage condom use, promoting unprotected casual relationships,” he said.
Francisco Mbofana also announced the launch of the “Red December” campaign, which will extend preventive, testing, and awareness activities until 30 December. Representing the United Nations (UN) in Mozambique, he emphasized that ending AIDS by 2030 remains an achievable goal.
“Ending AIDS by 2030 is within our reach if we work together. No technology will have an impact if it does not reach those who need it most. We need to invest in communities, activists, and health professionals who sustain the daily response,” he stated, advocating that every citizen should live with dignity and hope. “Ending AIDS is everyone’s responsibility. We are united in this mission,” he concluded.
Source: Mozambique Information Agency (AIM)
