Story by Bengani Ncube
A series of empowerment initiatives have played a crucial role in reducing new HIV infections in Makaha, Mudzi District, Mashonaland East Province.
Makaha, a high-risk area due to its extensive gold mining activities, has long grappled with the prevalence of transactional sex, however, targeted interventions aimed at economic empowerment, awareness campaigns, and access to healthcare services have contributed to a decline in new infections.
Providing an overview of HIV & AIDS in Mudzi District, National AIDS Council (NAC) Mudzi District AIDS Coordinator, Ms Trader Muzambindo, reported a decline in new HIV incidence to 0.11%, with the prevalence rate standing at 10.8% in Mashonaland East.
Despite this progress, NAC continues to raise awareness on the importance of knowing one’s HIV status, accessing treatment when necessary, and undergoing cervical cancer screening, among other health-related services.
Councilor Charles Manyonga of Ward 14, Mudzi South, noted significant improvements in the district due to NAC’s interventions and income-generating projects, which have transformed lives.
Ms Georgina Chokuposhiwa, a peer educator for Boss Lady, a support group that serves as an interaction platform for commercial sex workers, acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of NAC in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
Chokuposhiwa emphasised that training in income-generating activities has been instrumental in empowering vulnerable groups. Initiatives such as poultry and rabbit farming projects at Makaha Clinic are expected to make a meaningful impact on the community.
These empowerment initiatives have also helped communities adapt to the partial withdrawal of United States government support for HIV & AIDS programs.
Zimbabwe has already achieved the 95-95-95 HIV targets ahead of the 2025 deadline, marking a major milestone in the fight against HIV & AIDS.
