Sixty percent of cancer related deaths caused by HIV – NAC

The country continues to experience a rise in cancer related deaths, 60 percent of which are HIV related, a representative from the National Aids Council has said.

In an interview with Infocus News, Communications Director for NAC, Medelina Dube also highlighted that of the 1,3 million HIV population, 20 percent consists of discorded couples.  She noted that people living with HIV have a higher risk of developing cancer.

“Research shows that at least 60 percent of cancer related deaths are attributed to people living with HIV, with women experiencing deaths as a result of cervical and breast cancer while men experience deaths as a result of prostate and skin cancer,” she said.

Dube cited that the country is on track to achieving the 95–95–95 testing and treatment targets. This means by 2025, at least 95% of people living with HIV should be knowing their HIV status; 95% of people who know their status on will be on treatment; and 95% of people on treatment will have suppressed viral loads.

“At least 99 percent of the population is aware of HIV and people know their status however, translating of knowledge into action is a concern which is why we still continue to educate the population on prevention measures,” she said.

Dube highlighted that HIV prevalence is higher among women than men, between the ages of 15-49 years. She also noted that Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo Provinces have a higher HIV prevalence.

“During the ZITF, we are conducting live webinars, interviews, discussions, radio programmes, free HIV testing services, cervical cancer screening, TB screening, COVID-19 vaccination in order to share information to the general public. We also have KidzCan at our stand so that they raise awareness on children’s cancer,” she said.