The number of deaths of Mozambican victims of HIV/AIDS has been reduced by 19% in the last 8 years. In other words, Mozambique recorded 44,000 deaths in 2023, compared to 54,000 in 2015.

"It is important to mention the 19% decrease in AIDS-related deaths in the general population, from 54,000 in 2015 to 44,000 in 2023. However, we are still losing many compatriots in this battle. Deaths that can be avoided," said Filipe Nyusi.

According to the head of state, one of the ways found by the government was to implement the test and start approach in 20 districts in a phased manner, reaching all the country's districts by December 2018.

"The number of beneficiaries of pre-exposure prophylaxis has increased more than fivefold, from 19,000 in 2020 to 118,000 by June of this year. The number of tests carried out has increased by 77%, i.e. from 6,630,337 in 2015 to 11,723,062 in 2023."

Nyusi, who was speaking yesterday on the occasion of December 1, the day to fight HIV/AIDS, which is marked all over the world, says that the number of people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment has increased from 802,659 in 2015 to 1,944,204 by June 2024.

"The country went from 41% to 80% coverage. New HIV infections in the general population fell from 143,000 in 2015 to 81,000 in 2023.

The same happened with the number of new HIV infections in children aged 0 to 14, which rose from 19,000 in 2015 to 12,000 in 2023.

Despite the encouraging data, HIV/AIDS, according to the Head of State, remains a public health problem that requires everyone's involvement to eradicate.

On this day of reflection, we call on all national public and private entities, religious and non-governmental organizations, to continue to complement the government's efforts in this fight that belongs to all of us, because the sustainability of the response depends on national efforts."

This year, the date is being celebrated under the slogan "show solidarity, say no to stigma and discrimination", as there is an understanding that stigma is one of the causes of non-adherence to treatment.