Story by Providence Maraneli
MINING sites and areas near illegal border crossings have been identified as high-risk zones for HIV infections, child sexual exploitation, and teenage pregnancies.
According to statistics from the National AIDS Council(NAC), approximately 2 000 out of 30 000 girls aged between 10 and 19 became pregnant in Beitbridge and Insiza districts alone in 2024.
Meanwhile, HIV infections in Matabeleland South Province remain alarmingly high, standing at over 17%.
“In Beitbridge there are women who help carry people’s luggage across the river who are called Mazalawi, and they take with them children and they end up being involved in sexual activities,” Beitbridge District Learner Welfare Services representative, Mr Ignatius Mnikwa said.
“It is sad to note that Insiza and Beitbridge are leading in terms of early pregnancies and child marriages. We have wards like Tshasvingo , Dite, Lutumba, Siyoka, and Madiginye, which have become hotspots for HIV and early pregnancies, because of cross border activities,” NAC’s Provincial Manager, Mr Mgcini Sibanda said.
“There are quite a number of illegal gold mining places, and these drive HIV and early pregnancies,” Insiza District AIDS Coordinator, Mr Mpilo Maboyi said.
It is these unfortunate statistics that have prompted the government and its partners to launch a drive called ‘NotinMyVillage Campaign.’
“NotinMyVillage Campaign is a community-based campaign that aims to raise awareness, mobilise action, and empower community gatekeepers to end child marriage in rural areas of Zimbabwe. The campaign is based on the premise that change starts at the grassroots level, where people can influence their own communities and culture,” Young People Network for Health and Welfare representative, Mr Luckmore Pamhidzai said.
“We need to work together to reduce these numbers, to reduce these alarming figures. The burden of teenage pregnancies is upon our shoulders. It is now a normal to receive 14 year olds pregnant at our hospitals,” Matabeleland South Province-Medical Director, Dr Andrew Muza said.
“As we roll out this programme, it is necessary for us to put our heads together, as various stakeholders to see how best we can tackle this menace of HIV and teenage pregnancies,” Ministry of Local Government and Public Works-Acting Director, Mr Jusa Zachariah said.
The ‘NotinMyVillage campaign,’ which is being funded by UNFP is being implemented by NAC, and Young People Network for Health and Welfare.
