Over the past few decades, Zambia has become one of the symbols of the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Thanks to international investment and access to antiretroviral treatment, millions of lives have been saved and an epidemic that devastated entire generations has gradually been brought under control.

Today, however, this fragile progress is once again under threat. Cuts to international health assistance and development aid risk undermining years of hard-won achievements, with potentially devastating consequences for the health and future of millions of people.

In this article, Marian Pallister, Chair of Pax Christi Scotland, reflects on her personal experience in Zambia and calls for international solidarity and the protection of human dignity to remain at the heart of global political decision-making.