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Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
MORE than half of Gweru’s commercial sex workers are HIV -positive. This is according to a report compiled by UNAIDS.
According to the report, Zimbabwe has 45 000 sex workers that have a HIV prevalence of 52,6 percent. The report stated that at least one in two sex workers are HIV-positive, with many of them aware of their status, compared to the general public.
Zimbabwe’s HIV prevalence stands at 13,7 with 75 percent of the figure knowing their status. Sex workers are regarded as a key population in the fight against the spread of HIV and Aids.
“From about 45 000 sex workers in Zimbabwe 56,2 percent of them are HIV-positive and only 68 percent are on antiretroviral therapy. About 96 percent of the same population use condoms and only a few avoid health care services due to stigma and discrimination,” read the report.
Other statistics, such as those of the gay, lesbian and transgender population that account for 47 percent of the country’s HIV prevalence were not provided.
“Gay men in Zimbabwe recorded 31 percent of the HIV prevalence while prisoners are said to be 19 873 and have a 28 percent prevalence,” read the report.
The risk of acquiring, according to UNAIDS, is 13 times higher for female sex workers, while it is 27 times higher among gay men.
The report stated that it was 23 times higher among those that use inject drugs and 12 times higher for transgender women.
UNAIDS executive director Mr Michel Sidibeb noted that key populations account for more HIV related cases hence the need to prioritise if the world is to eliminate HIV by the year 2023.
“The success in saving lives has not been matched with equal success in reducing new HIV infections. New HIV infections are not falling fast enough. HIV prevention services are not being provided on an adequate scale and with sufficient intensity and are not reaching the people who need them the most,” said Mr Sidibeb.
They are not being provided on an adequate scale and with sufficient intensity and are not reaching the people who need them the most,” he said.
Last year the National Aids Council (Nac) stated that the city of Gweru had 3 500 self-confessed prostitutes and up to 60 percent of them were HIV-positive.
It was stated that out of the sex workers operating in the urban centre, between 55 and 60 percent were infected with HIV.
Online Reporter