Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
[email protected]
BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has intensified efforts to curb new HIV infections following concerns that Magwegwe and Pumula have emerged as new HIV hotspots, amid growing fears that the city’s battle against drug and substance abuse could worsen the spread of the virus.
According to the latest council minutes, councillors raised concern over the increase in new HIV infections in the two high-density suburbs after the National Aids Council (Nac) identified them as emerging hotspots.
The issue came up during deliberations on the Health Promotion Unit, where councillors called for stronger interventions to reverse the trend.
Councillor Perseverance Nyathi said the resurgence of HIV infections was alarming, particularly at a time when Bulawayo was grappling with the effects of drug and substance abuse among young people.
“The National Aids Council has flagged Magwegwe and Pumula as new HIV hotspots in the city. Currently, the city is battling with drug and substance abuse and the HIV and Aids challenge is now recurring. I would like to know Council’s strategy in reducing and eradicating new HIV infections in these areas,” she said.
Responding to the concerns, Ward 23 Clr Ntombizodwa Khumalo said the local authority was working closely with various stakeholders to contain the spread of HIV in the affected suburbs.
She said council’s goal was to eliminate new HIV infections through strengthened partnerships and sustained public awareness campaigns.
“Council is engaging other partners to deal with HIV infections in the mentioned areas. Our major target is to achieve zero new HIV infections. Campaigns on drug and substance abuse will also continue,” said Clr Khumalo.
She said the fight against HIV could not be separated from efforts to curb drug and substance abuse, as the two challenges were increasingly intertwined.
Council subsequently adopted the recommendations of the Health, Housing and Education Committee, paving the way for continued implementation of interventions aimed at reducing new HIV infections and strengthening prevention programmes.
The deliberations come at a time when health authorities continue to emphasise the importance of sustained HIV prevention campaigns, community awareness and multi-sectoral partnerships in addressing emerging infection hotspots and protecting public health.
