Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE emergence of 13 tobacco auction floors in the farming town of Mvurwi has come as a blessing, but also a burden to Mashonaland Central province, with many new HIV infections being recorded.
This emerged at a sensitisation meeting for Mashonaland Central provincial heads of departments in Mvurwi this Tuesday.
“In this province, commercial sex work is high, especially in Mazowe and primarily in Mvurwi where there are 13 auction floors. In December 2024, at Suoguru Clinic in Mvurwi, 345 cases of STIs were recorded from 417 tests. Of these, 67 were HIV positive. In comparison, 424 cases of STIs were recorded at Tsungubvi Clinic. Of these, 37 were HIV positive so commercial sex work continues to be a challenge,” National AIDS Council Provincial Manager Mr Edgar Muzulu said.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo challenged provincial heads to understand the full scope of HIV and related health issues and collaborate in unity.
“Our response to HIV must not be fragmented. It must be multi-dimensional and integrated, incorporating interventions that address the root causes including the interaction with non-communicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health and rights and drug abuse.”
Several interventions are being undertaken to counter the spread of HIV, comprising community-based peer-led awareness, HIV testing and counselling and treatment programmes.
