Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub
Bulawayo has recorded a remarkable decline in HIV prevalence, with latest figures showing a drop from 13.2 percent in 2020 to 10.7 percent by the end of 2024 a development hailed as a major step forward in the city’s fight against the virus.
The figures were revealed during a Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) breakfast meeting held in Bulawayo on Wednesday morning.
The engagement is convened under the theme “Promoting Private Sector Coordination and Expanding ZIPSHAWA’s Presence in the Southern Region,” and is organised by the Zimbabwe Private Sector HIV and Wellness (ZIPSHAWA) in collaboration with the National AIDS Council (NAC).
In his keynote address, NAC Bulawayo provincial manager Mr Douglas Moyo attributed the downward trend to improved health-seeking behaviour, particularly among men.
“Bulawayo has recorded a significant drop in prevalence rate across all demographics. Prevalence rate dropped from 13.2 percent in 2020 to 10.7 percent by end of 2024,” said Mr Moyo.
Commending the male population for their proactive stance, Mr Moyo noted:
“For males, the prevalence rate dropped from 9.9 percent to 7.8 percent. This is commendable progress. It is not easy for males to queue at public health institutions for their wellness.”
He further revealed that among females, prevalence rates had also fallen — from 16.3 percent in 2020 to 13.6 percent by end of 2024.
“As Bulawayo, we will make sure we don’t lag behind in the national fight against HIV,” he added.
Despite the encouraging statistics, Mr Moyo noted several barriers hindering effective wellness programming in the workplace.
He cited low awareness among some employers and poor risk perception as key challenges.
“They (workers) spend most of their time at work and therefore need to access vital information during working hours. Some CEOs will organise for sessions to be held, but they retreat to their offices and not participate,” he said.
He also bemoaned limited time and resources allocated for employee wellness initiatives.
“Other challenges are time allocated for wellness and production time. Activities are squeezed between tea and lunch time. Some companies find it difficult to allocate funds for wellness programmes,” he said.
However, with the 2030 national targets fast approaching, Mr Moyo called for greater commitment from the private sector.
“Going towards 2030, we need everyone to accelerate participation.”
The breakfast meeting had several key objectives, including enhancing private sector coordination in HIV and wellness programmes, increasing regional engagement, and establishing ZIPSHAWA’s visibility and ownership in Bulawayo.
It also sought to identify high-impact, quick-win interventions that can support the national multi-sectoral approach to HIV, while spotlighting the latest innovations and opportunities available to the private sector in the ongoing fight against the epidemic.
