Top news items in major Zambian media outlets

The following are the highlights of Zambia's major media outlets on Friday.

-- Eleven United Nations agencies have launched a joint program of support to the HIV/AIDS response in Zambia to run from 2016 to 2021.

UN Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan said despite Zambia's achievements in tackling the disease, it still remains one of the top 10 countries with the highest number of people living with the condition. There are currently 1.2 million people living with HIV in Zambia. (Zambia Daily Mail)

-- Zambia will increase copper production to 800,000 tons in 2017 due to various interventions to increase investments in large-scale mining, a senior official has said.

In 2015, Zambia produced 710,000 tons of copper compared to 708,259 tons produced in 2014. (Times of Zambia)

-- Zambian President Edgar Lungu said his government will always stand ready to render support to investors with resolute determination to contribute to the growth of the mining industry.

Lungu said his government will provide a conducive environment where mines will continue to operate efficiently and profitably. (Daily Nation)

-- The European Union has called on Zambia to ensure that it holds free, fair and peaceful elections.

EU head of delegation to Zambia Alessandro Mariani said the European body was hopeful that Zambia will uphold its tradition of holding peaceful elections during the August 11 elections. (The Post) Endit