Story by Bengani Ncube
All is set for the national World AIDS Day commemorations to be held in Rusape.
Speaking to the media, National AIDS Council’s Makoni District AIDS Coordinator, Mr. Spencer Banguza, announced that the event will take place at John Cowie Primary School in Rusape, Manicaland province, in line with the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
Mr. Banguza emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “A lot of preparatory meetings have been done and we are now ready to host this august event.”
As part of the pre-launch activities, a marathon will be held, and many people have already registered to participate.
Mr. Banguza highlighted the council’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections and provide quality treatment and care support to those affected.
“We aim to ensure there are no new HIV infections in the district. We have successfully managed to reduce the number of new HIV cases,” he said.
The district is also implementing a ‘test and treat’ programme, which involves starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately after testing positive for HIV. Innovative methods, such as the Community ART Care and Treatment Facilitators Programme, provide door-to-door ART delivery.
Community members at Max Village Business Center expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming commemorations, anticipating that the event will raise awareness, particularly in areas known for transactional sex.
This year, World AIDS Day will be celebrated under the theme, ‘Take the Right Path – My Health, My Responsibility’.
