Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
YOUNG mothers in Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province, are playing a leading role in Zimbabwe’s efforts to end AIDS by 2030 through peer mentorship programmes that are promoting HIV prevention, awareness and positive health practices.
At the centre of the initiative is 23-year-old Chantel Chigumbu, whose journey from programme beneficiary to mentor has inspired many young women in her community.
Through the National AIDS Council’s Sister-to-Sister programme, Chigumbu is now helping equip fellow young mothers with knowledge and life skills aimed at reducing HIV infections and improving their overall well-being.
“I am a Sister-to-Sister mentor. I joined the programme as a mentee last year, where I learnt various empowerment programmes. After completing the training, I became a mentor. My goal is now to share the knowledge I have gained and encourage other young girls to make informed decisions about their lives,” she said.
The programme targets young mothers aged between 15 and 24 and provides information on HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, family planning and the importance of regular health checks.
“I have learnt about the different ways in which the HIV is spread,” a young mother said.
“This programme has empowered me with knowledge in relation to HIV and how to stay safe so that I do not contract the virus,” another young mother said.
“I learnt about the importance of knowing my status. I was scared to get tested because people used to say it is painful, so I got tested after learning that it is not painful at all,” a young mother said.
For some, like 22-year-old Sithabile Ncube, the programme is reshaping their marriages.
“I also tell my husband about what we learn, and he is supportive,” she said.
With Matabeleland North province plagued by high rates of teenage pregnancies, local leaders say the programme is turning the tide.
“We do realise that most of our children are lying idle, but this programme has brought a lot of programmes that have helped keep them busy. They meet every Wednesday, and they say this programme has really transformed their lives. It has given them something to look forward to in life,” Umguza District Ward 6 Councillor, Ms Busisiwe Brown said.
“We work together with the National AIDS Council in mentoring these girls so that they are moulded into responsible citizens,” ZNNP+ representative, Ms Thembeni Sithole said.
As Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, programmes such as Sister-to-Sister are proving that community-based peer education can play a critical role in empowering young people to protect their health and build brighter futures.
