-Northern Province has surpassed the 95, 95, 95 HIV response target. The Province has so far reached 97.7 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 99.9 percent of those diagnosed on treatment, while 97 percent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.…

-Northern Province has surpassed the 95, 95, 95 HIV response target.

The Province has so far reached 97.7 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 99.9 percent of those diagnosed on treatment, while 97 percent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.

Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri says 65,763 out of an estimated 67,334 people living with HIV know their status, 65,754 receiving treatment and 63,781 have achieved viral suppression.

Speaking in a speech read for her by Northern Province Assistant Secretary during the 2026 commemoration National HIV Testing, Counseling and treatment day in Chilubi District , Ms Undi-Phiri revealed that the HIV prevalence stands at 4.9 percent in the province.

“According to the 2024 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, HIV prevalence in Northern Province stands at 4.9 percent making it the second-lowest in the country,” she said.

Ms Undi-Phiri, has however, cautioned that the achievements should not lead to complacency stressing the need to prevent new infections and ensure that people living with HIV remain on treatment.

She further identified adolescents and young people as a priority group that needs accurate health information, HIV testing, counselling and treatment in safe and stigma-free environments.

“Our young people are central to the future of this province, they need accurate health information, HIV Testing, Counseling, and treatment including a safe stigma free environment,” she said.

And Chilubi District Health Director Namuyuni Mwiinga has reaffirmed the district’s commitment to fighting HIV.

Dr Mwiinga the District is working tirelessly with cooperating partners and other stakeholders to strengthen the response.

He said the district will continue collaborating with its partners to prevent new HIV infections and improve access to HIV testing, treatment and other essential health services.

Earlier Chief Chiwanangala thanked the Government for providing healthcare services in Chilubi District.

The traditional leader said the Government should sustain and expand interventions that would help prevent new HIV infections.

Chief Chiwanangala further said he has also made it mandatory in his chiefdom for pregnant women in his chiefdom to deliver at health facilities.

He said this is  part of efforts to promote safe childbirth and preventing mother to child transmission of HIV.