STATEMENT BY CLLR. CHAMPION TEMBO

STATEMENT BY CLLR. CHAMPION TEMBO

Chairperson, AMICAALL Zambia

On this World AIDS Day 2025, we unite with the global community under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” This theme speaks directly to the realities faced by our local authorities, who are at the frontline of responding to the social and economic challenges that impact HIV service delivery.

As AMICAALL Zambia, we firmly believe that transforming the HIV response requires strong local leadership,inclusive partnerships, and unwavering political commitment. Councils play a critical role in coordinating multisectoral action, linking health services,community-based organisations, education systems, social protection structures, and local leaders to ensure that every person can access HIV services without barriers.

Despite past disruptions, from public health emergencies to resource limitations, our communities have continued to demonstrate resilience. It is now our responsibility to strengthen that resilience by investing in community-led initiatives, supporting evidence-based programmes, and ensuring that human rights remain at the centre of our response.

As Chairperson, I call upon all mayors,council chairpersons, and councillors across the country to recommit to proactive leadership and collaborative action. Let us work together to overcome disruptions, protect the gains we have made, and transform the local HIV response so that Zambia can meet the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

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