𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞-𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Serenje District yesterday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World AIDS Day under the bold theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response!”, with Deputy Council Chairperson Douglas Free Johns Sigauke urging communities to take full ownership of the fight against HIV.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Sigauke warned that the withdrawal of major donor support including funding from USAID had created a “pressing reality” that threatens clinics, outreach activities, and frontline health workers. He described the moment as a turning point for Zambia to build a self-reliant and community-led response.
“This is not a speech of surrender. This is a call to action,” he said, rallying neighbourhood health committees, support groups and traditional leaders to drive local solutions, strengthen domestic funding, and intensify prevention efforts such as PrEP, condom use, and male circumcision.
Mr. Sigauke praised the New Dawn Government under President Hakainde Hichilema for providing leadership that keeps Zambia on track to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, emphasising that human rights, gender equality, and stigma reduction remain central to progress.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting programmes under the 2025 theme, stating, “Together, we will overcome this disruption. Together, we will transform our AIDS response. Together, we will secure our own future.”