Kalulushi, 6 May 2025.
National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council (NAC) Director General, Dr. Kebby Musokotwane today paid a courtesy call on Kalulushi Municipal Council (KMC) Town Clerk, Betty Liswaniso who was represented by Director of Public Health, Susiku Mwakoi.
In his remarks, Dr. Musokotwane said NAC oversees three functions which are HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB, with HIV receiving more prominence in their initiatives.
The Director General went on to say it has been a few months since the withdrawal of funding by the new regime in the United States (US) which has been one of NAC’s biggest funders and this has brought about a shift in their operations.
Dr. Musokotwane added that in terms of HIV management at national level, the country has the HIV sustainability roadmap which was launched in December 2024. The document provides a comprehensive look at the national HIV/AIDS picture and aims to achieve a domestically funded response to essential HIV/AIDS health needs.
He added that discussions are ongoing at national level through a steering committee chaired by the Secretary to the Cabinet, with the agenda to ensure that future budgets allocate adequate funding towards antiretroviral therapy (ARVs), which has been recognized as a national security concern following the recent withdrawal of funding by the US government.
Speaking at the same meeting, the Acting Town Clerk, Mr. Mwakoi said the Council annually plans for programs to be undertaken in a particular year and activities related to HIV/AIDS are also prioritized and budgeted for.
He went on to say KMC, through the District AIDS Coordinating Advisor (DACA), is also actively mobilizing local resources from cooperating partners in the district to supplement on the Council’s efforts.
Mr. Mwakoi also added that the Council is also collaborating effectively with the District Health Office, especially following the devolution of health services to the Council so as to enhance HIV/AIDS awareness programs.
