Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
ISAIA ABURENI, the Matabeleland South National Aids Council (Nac) provincial manager, has retired after a remarkable career spanning 18 years. Throughout his tenure, Abureni played a pivotal role in the fight against HIV and Aids, leaving an indelible mark on the province and the nation as a whole. Now, as he embarks on a new chapter in his life, Abureni reflects on the progress made and the challenges faced in combating the pandemic.
Joining Nac in 2004 as a programmes officer, Abureni quickly rose through the ranks and assumed the position of Matabeleland South provincial manager in 2006. Over the years, he played a crucial role in meeting the country’s HIV prevention targets, including the ambitious 90-90-90 target. Now, the nation is striving for a 95-95-95 target by 2025, and Abureni is proud to have been part of the journey.
Under Abureni’s leadership, various impactful programmes were implemented in the province, resulting in a significant reduction in the prevalence and incidence of HIV. From 2011 to 2022, the incidence rate dropped from 0,88 percent to an impressive 0,33 percent. Similarly, the prevalence rate decreased from 23,5 percent in 2013 to a remarkable 0,17 percent in 2023.
Reflecting on his early years at Nac, Abureni recalls the pivotal role played by antiretroviral therapy (ART) in combating the virus. Massive campaigns were launched to encourage people to get tested for HIV, and positive individuals were referred to the Ministry of Health and Child Care for enrolment on ART. The increased number of people getting tested and seeking treatment marked a significant turning point in the fight against the pandemic.
“When I joined Nac in 2004 that was the time when antiretroviral therapy was gathering pace. We had massive campaigns encouraging people to get tested for HIV. We would go to various gatherings in communities urging people to get tested and then we would refer them to the Ministry of Health and Child Care to be enrolled under ART. There was a huge increase in the number of people who got tested and those who came out positive.
“During my term of office we embarked on massive HIV prevention campaign programme in the province. We have been working closely with churches. In the past the stigma and discrimination towards HIV positive people was pretty high and people were hiding their status but that has changed. In Matabeleland South we took the project to every corner of the seven districts found in the province,” he said.
Abureni and his team identified key hotspots for HIV transmission, including nightclubs, brothels, and mining areas. In response, targeted campaigns promoting condom use were launched, specifically focusing on artisanal miners and sex workers. Over time, trust was established, and the response from these communities became increasingly positive.
Matabeleland South presented unique challenges due to its high population mobility, including diasporans and cross-border transporters. To address their needs, Nac took advantage of public holidays to roll out campaigns specifically targeting this key population. Additionally, events like monthly livestock auctions provided an opportunity to engage with a large audience and offer HIV-related services.
“In the province, we also have events where people gather on a monthly basis such as livestock auction days. During this event almost the entire community gathers at a local dip tank for two or three days with traders from other provinces. This is one of the hotspots which we have in the province. We have taken advantage of these cattle sales to reach out to clients. We also have truck drivers who stop over in the province and some of them are foreigners.
“We also reach out to them and provide HIV related services. We also managed to roll out targeted programmes for various key population groups such as the Sister to Sister which targets adolescent girls and young women, brother to brother peer led programme, peer led programme for prisoners and artisanal miners, Community Adolescents Treatment Supporters (CATS) which is for young people who are HIV-positive, the key population programme which focuses on sex workers among other programmes,” he said.
Abureni stressed the importance of partnerships in the success of these programmes. Nac collaborated with over 20 implementing partners, creating a network of support and resources. The stigma surrounding HIV and Aids has significantly diminished, and people now openly discuss their status. Access to prevention commodities such as condoms and HIV testing has improved, contributing to a healthier and more informed community.
Abureni was born in Beitbridge in 1958. He did his primary education at Swereki Primary School and then moved to Manama High School where he did his secondary education.
Upon completing his studies he joined the Ministry of Health and Child Care as an environmental health technician. In 1988 he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education and Health Promotion from the University of Zimbabwe. In 2004 he obtained a Master of Education in Adult Education focusing on Health Education from the University of Zimbabwe.
He also worked in Bindura as a health promotion officer before he joined Nac in 2004 as a programmes officer.
As Abureni begins his well-deserved retirement, he looks forward to focusing on his passion for livestock farming at his homestead in Beitbridge. His dedication to the health sector has left a lasting impact, and he is proud of the contributions he has made to his country. Abureni’s legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations, reminding us of the power of commitment and collaboration in overcoming the challenges posed by HIV and Aids.
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