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President Mnangagwa Reaffirms Zimbabwe’s Drive to End HIV Ahead of World AIDS Day

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reiterated his administration’s commitment to eliminating HIV in Zimbabwe, saying widening access to prevention, treatment, and integrated health services remains at the centre of the country’s response.

He made the remarks on the eve of World AIDS Day, commemorated globally every 1 December since 1988 as a moment to reflect on progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, honour lives lost, and renew momentum towards ending the epidemic.

Mnangagwa highlighted Zimbabwe’s significant strides over the years, noting that new HIV infections have dropped by more than 80% in the last decade, while national prevalence has fallen from 14% to 11%. Access to treatment has also improved across the country.

“This year, we commemorate this day with great pride,” he said. “Zimbabwe not only reached the global 95-95-95 targets and achieved epidemic control in 2022, but we have now surpassed them. Currently, 97% of people living with HIV know their status, over 95% are receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 96% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression. This progress speaks to the dedication of our leadership, communities and health workers.”

This year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” reflects the challenges facing global and national health systems, particularly as countries grapple with reduced international funding, post-pandemic recovery, climate related health pressures, Mpox outbreaks and rising non communicable diseases.

Mnangagwa acknowledged the financial pressures but said government remains focused on strengthening domestic funding mechanisms to safeguard Zimbabwe’s gains.

“Our approach is shifting from dependency to self reliance. The National AIDS Trust Fund has continued to provide stable financing, and we are integrating HIV services into primary healthcare so that no citizen is left behind,” he said.

Looking ahead, the President outlined priorities designed to sustain momentum: expanding prevention and treatment, integrating HIV services with other healthcare programmes, addressing stigma and gender inequalities, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the response through domestic resource mobilisation.

He said HIV will continue to be treated as a public health priority as the country pushes towards universal health coverage. Zimbabwe’s guiding health financing principle, “more money for health, and more health for the money”, remains central to efforts to build a resilient system capable of protecting the progress made so far in HIV prevention and care.

Presidential Affairs

Zimbabwe Strengthens Global Tourism Ties Following High-Level UN Visit

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to growing its tourism sector after hosting Shaikha Al Nowais, the newly appointed Secretary-General of UN Tourism, in Harare.

Speaking after the meeting, President Mnangagwa described the visit as a great honour, highlighting its significance for both Zimbabwe and the global tourism community.

Ms. Al Nowais’ appointment marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history.

The discussions focused on strengthening Zimbabwe’s position as a leading global tourism destination. President Mnangagwa emphasized the country’s vast potential, from its natural attractions to its rich cultural heritage, noting that tourism remains a key pillar for economic growth.

“We discussed enhancing Zimbabwe’s standing as a premier global destination and harnessing sustainable tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation,” said the President.

Zimbabwe has in recent years intensified efforts to promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that growth in the sector benefits local communities while preserving the environment.

Collaboration with UN Tourism is expected to play a critical role in achieving these goals through international partnerships, investment opportunities, and global marketing initiatives.

President Mnangagwa also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working closely with international stakeholders to showcase Zimbabwe’s unique appeal.

“Zimbabwe remains committed to collaborating closely with UN Tourism to showcase the beauty and hospitality of our nation to the world,” he added.

The visit by Ms. Al Nowais is seen as a strategic step toward strengthening Zimbabwe’s visibility on the global tourism map, while also aligning the country with international best practices in sustainable tourism development.

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Presidential Affairs

Zim, Botswana Push Economic Agenda

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko pose for a photo after the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission in Harare.

Zimbabwe and Botswana have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic and economic relations following the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare.

President Mnangagwa said the high-level meeting with Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko marks a shift toward stronger economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

“The outcomes of this Session are both instructive and forward-looking. They demonstrate our shared resolve to transform our longstanding political relations into a more dynamic, results-driven economic partnership,” he said.

The Zimbabwean leader emphasized that agreements signed at the BNC must now deliver tangible results, particularly in trade, investment and infrastructure development.

“The agreements… must now serve as instruments for accelerated trade, enhanced investment flows, industrial collaboration and sustainable development,” he added.

Key priorities include the operationalisation of the Plumtree/Ramokgwebana One-Stop Border Post, removal of non-tariff barriers and expansion of cross-border infrastructure to improve trade efficiency.

Earlier, President Boko highlighted the deep historical ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana, describing the relationship as a foundation for shared prosperity.

“These ties continue to provide a firm foundation upon which we advance our common aspirations for prosperity, stability and sustainable development,” he said.

He noted that the Bi-National Commission remains a critical platform for cooperation in sectors such as trade, agriculture, energy, health and security.

The two leaders agreed that regional cooperation within SADC is essential in addressing global economic challenges, improving trade flows and boosting investment.

With increased focus on implementation, private sector participation and infrastructure development, the Zimbabwe-Botswana partnership is expected to play a key role in advancing regional integration and economic growth in Southern Africa.

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Presidential Affairs

Precision Meets Pride: President’s Cup Day 2 Delivers High Stakes Action

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Game faces on: NetOne golfers await their moment on the tee.
Game faces on: NetOne golfers await their moment on the tee.

Day 2 of the President’s Cup delivered exactly what golf fans had hoped for , high-quality competition, emotional swings, and a few talking points that extended beyond the fairways.

After a tense opening day, both teams returned with renewed intensity, fully aware that Day 2 often shapes the trajectory of the entire tournament.

The format brought out aggressive play, with captains opting for bold pairings in both foursomes and fourballs, a move that paid off in some matches but backfired in others.

On the course, the level of golf remained exceptional.

Several matches went down to the final holes, with clutch putting and precise approach shots proving decisive.

The greens, however, became a central issue. Players from both sides were seen struggling with pace and reading subtle breaks, sparking quiet complaints about consistency.

A few missed short putts in key moments highlighted just how tricky conditions had become.

Weather also played its part. Changing wind conditions throughout the day made club selection unpredictable, forcing players to constantly adjust strategies.

While some adapted brilliantly, others faltered under pressure, leading to costly mistakes that shifted momentum between the teams.

Beyond the play itself, officiating decisions and rules interpretations began to draw attention.

 

There were moments of uncertainty regarding drop procedures and relief situations, leading to brief delays and visible frustration among players.

 

Though none escalated into major disputes, they added an extra layer of tension to an already competitive environment.

Team dynamics were another key storyline.

 

Certain pairings showed clear chemistry, feeding off each other’s energy and lifting their performances when it mattered most.

 

In contrast, a few partnerships appeared out of sync, struggling to find rhythm and ultimately dropping valuable points.

As the day progressed, momentum swung back and forth, keeping spectators on edge.

Every hole seemed to carry increased significance, and the pressure was evident in both the body language and decision-making of the players.

By the end of Day 2, the scoreboard reflected just how closely contested the competition remains.

 

Neither side has managed to establish a decisive lead, setting up what promises to be a thrilling continuation.

However, alongside the excitement, questions linger. Course conditions, officiating clarity, and player fatigue are all emerging as factors that could influence the outcome moving forward.

With everything still to play for, Day 3 now looms large.

If the intensity and drama of the first two days are anything to go by, the President’s Cup is far from decided , and the best may still be yet to come.

ALSO READ: President’s Cup Golf Tournament: A Beacon of Unity and Progress in Zimbabwean Sport

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