Mozambican parliament calls for a plan to retain patients undergoing HIV treatment
The Mozambican parliamentary committee on HIV/AIDS has urged the government to develop strategies to retain patients on antiretroviral treatment and seek private sector support. With 1.9 million individuals receiving treatment, the committee emphasized the need for a holistic approach that extends beyond traditional clinical settings. Zainaba Andala, the committee's president, highlighted the importance of addressing sociocultural factors contributing to stigma and discrimination, which hinder progress in HIV response. The committee also called for sustainable funding mechanisms and the introduction of innovative biomedical technologies to enhance access to prevention and treatment services, particularly in high-burden communities. Mozambique ranks third globally in HIV prevalence, with significant challenges remaining in testing and early diagnosis.