Zimbabwe released a national HIV/AIDS strategy plan on Monday, according to official broadcaster ZBC, which would govern resource allocation and implementation of the country's HIV response for the next five years.

The strategic plan, which runs from 2021 to 2025, will steer the country toward eradicating AIDS by 2030, according to Munyaradzi Dhobbie, Chief Director of the Ministry of Health and Child Care, who praised the National AIDS Council for its achievements in the ongoing fight against the worldwide pandemic.

"We have reached the 90-90-90-target and now we want to reach the 95-95-95 and this can be done if we deal with the older men. HIV prevalence and mortality have fallen and now we are working toward ending AIDS by 2030. We have to remain on guard," Dhobbie said.

The 90-90-90 aim indicates that by 2020, 90% of individuals living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of persons with HIV infection will get sustained antiretroviral medication, and 90% of people on antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

In order for the country to meet its goals, UNAIDS country director Sophia Moniko stated that a paradigm shift in health finance is required.

"We must eliminate inequities in order to eradicate AIDS. A paradigm shift in health funding is required. We need to put money into data systems "she stated

Margaret Mehlomakulu, chairwoman of the National AIDS Council, used the occasion to announce the theme for this year's National AIDS Day commemorations: "End Pandemics, End Inequalities, End AIDS."