Story by Tamuka Charakupa
COMMUNITY-based HIV prevention programmes are helping to reduce new infections and promote positive health-seeking behaviour in Makonde District as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Initiatives such as the Sister-to-Sister programme, which targets adolescent girls and young mothers, and the Behaviour Change Community Motivator model for men are encouraging responsible behaviour and increasing community participation in HIV prevention efforts.
Behaviour Change Facilitator, Mr Taurai Murwira, said the programmes are creating opportunities for men to engage more openly on health-related issues.
“As a facilitator, I am encouraged by the response we are receiving from men in the community. Traditionally, men are difficult to engage on health issues and rarely discuss matters relating to HIV openly. However, through these platforms, they are now sharing experiences, seeking information, getting tested and supporting one another. This is helping us break harmful stereotypes and reduce risky behaviour,” he said.
Beneficiary Mr Takemore Kagwere said the discussions have provided a platform for men to address challenges affecting their lives and communities.
“These discussions have given us an opportunity as men to talk openly about issues that we would normally keep to ourselves. We are learning about HIV prevention, family responsibilities and the dangers of risky behaviour. The knowledge we gain here is helping us make better decisions and positively influence others,” he said.
The programmes are also improving treatment adherence among people living with HIV.
“Our work as village health workers has become easier because community members now understand the importance of knowing their HIV status and adhering to treatment. Patients on antiretroviral therapy are coming forward willingly, attending review appointments and taking their medication consistently, which is improving their health outcomes,” said Village Health Worker, Mrs Miriam Chigure.
Makonde Ward 16 Councillor, Mr Joshua Madhihwa said the initiatives are generating wider social benefits.
“Since the introduction of these programmes, we have witnessed positive behavioural change among community members. Cases of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, are being addressed through awareness campaigns and mentorship, resulting in a more responsible and productive community,” he said.
Makonde District AIDS Coordinator, Mr Reddell Nhau said the district has more than 29 000 people receiving antiretroviral therapy and identified illegal artisanal mining activities and tobacco farming areas as key drivers of new HIV infections.
“The Sister-to-Sister Initiative initially targeted girls and young women aged between 15 and 24 years. However, we realised that for us to achieve lasting results, we needed to engage their male counterparts as well. By bringing men into the conversation, we are addressing the entire chain of vulnerability and creating a more comprehensive response to HIV prevention,” he said.
The success of the community-driven interventions is reinforcing efforts to sustain progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets while supporting Zimbabwe’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
