FIRST Republican president, Kenneth Kaunda has said it is the duty of every Zambian to remain united in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic if Zambia is to record zero infections.

Dr Kaunda, who was speaking when he paid a courtesy call at the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC during the just-ended 19th International AIDS Conference, said the zero infection rates could only be recorded if all Zambians played their roles effectively.

Dr Kaunda was in the company of Community Development, Maternal and Child Health Deputy Minister Jean Kapata, National AIDS Council (NAC) chariperson Joshua Banda and NAC director-general Clement Chela.

And speaking at the same occasion, Ms Kapata said Zambia had learnt a lot from the 19th International AIDS Conference that should be put to practice once the delegation returned home.

This is according to a statement issued by the Zambian embassy First Secretary for Press Patricia Litiya.

Ms Kapata observed that there were best practices that Zambia could use, especially in increasing Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT).

She said government would not relent in fighting the pandemic despite the glowing tribute from various speakers at the conference.

And Bishop Banda described the conference as a great experience, saying there was need for increased behavioural change in Zambia.

Bishop Banda said Zambia would continue standing on moral principles and would not back down on its stand against homosexuality and abortion.

Earlier, in welcoming the delegation, Charge d'affairs Ben Kangwa noted that Zambia had been on a positive spotlight in the fight against AIDS at this year's conference.

He said prominent United States personalities such as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former First Lady Laura Bush and Ambassador Mark Dybul had all made reference to Zambia in their addresses in regard to the commitment by the Zambian Government towards issues related to HIV/AIDS, cervical cancer, gender and poverty.

Mr Kangwa said the strong Zambian delegation of 77 comprising policy makers, technocrats and various non-governmental organisations was testimony of Zambia's visible participation at the conference.