Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
Bindura remains at the top with the highest HIV prevalence rate in Mashonaland Central at 8.4 percent, raising concern among health authorities as infections continue to increase in identified hotspot areas.
The district has overtaken high-burden areas such as Mazowe traditionally, with new infections largely linked to high-risk zones including Maganyani and Rutope. Speaking during a media tour organised by the National AIDS Council (NAC) and UNICEF Zimbabwe, District AIDS Coordinator Agripa Karuru said the increase is being driven by expanding socio-economic activities, high population mobility, and entrenched hotspot communities where risky behaviours remain prevalent.
“Economic growth comes with increased movement of people, and unfortunately, that also fuels vulnerability to HIV transmission in certain areas,” he said. Karuru also addressed public perception around students, noting that despite Bindura hosting four universities, data does not point to students as the primary drivers of new infections.
“Evidence shows that the general population, particularly those in identified hotspot areas, are the most affected,” he said. Key areas contributing to the spike include Chipadze, Garikai, Maganyani, Manhenga and Rutope along the busy Harare–Shamva corridor, where increased activity has created fertile ground for new infections.
Mathew Masinge