NAC Expands HIV and Cancer Integration to Combat Rising Non-Communicable Diseases

The National AIDS Council (NAC) has intensified efforts to address the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among people living with HIV, especially as HIV-positive individuals live longer thanks to increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). NAC’s expanded integrated programs focus on screening, early detection, and treatment for both HIV and cancers, particularly among women living with HIV, who are disproportionately affected by cancers like cervical cancer.

David Nyamurera a representative for National AIDS Council, shared the organization’s recent achievements and future plans during the official launch of National Cancer Day yesterday. The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and its partners have exceeded their target of ensuring that over 95% of people living with HIV access retroviral therapies. However, he noted a concerning trend, as people living with HIV age, they are increasingly susceptible to NCDs, including cancers, with HIV-positive women facing a significantly higher risk.

“Globally, cervical cancer prevalence among women living with HIV is six times higher than in women without HIV,” Nyamurera said. This troubling statistic has led the NAC to integrate cancer care into the HIV treatment framework. The council has procured essential screening equipment, including true screen and coloscopy machines, and distributed anti-cancer medications to public hospitals, making cancer screenings more accessible in HIV treatment centers.

By Ruvarashe Gora

The National AIDS Council is also focusing on decentralizing cancer treatment and prevention services, particularly in rural areas. They have partnered with the MoHCC to mobilize communities and educate individuals on the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

With 50% of people living with HIV globally aged over 40 and 25% over 50, Nyamurera stressed that the fight against HIV cannot be separated from the battle against cancer and other non-communicable diseases. NAC’s efforts to combine both challenges into one integrated program aim to prevent setbacks in the national HIV response.

“The NAC remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Health and Child Care and other stakeholders to ensure that the successes achieved in HIV treatment continue to grow, despite the rising threat of NCDs,” he said.