Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
BULILIMA District in Matabeleland South has seen a significant decline in new HIV infections over the past year due to a number of interventions introduced by the National Aids Council (NAC) and other stakeholders.
At the moment, the district has 11 376 people living with HIV.
Bulilima District Aids Co-ordinator, Mr Ronald Hanyane, said the incidence rate has dropped from 21 percent to 17,6 percent between 2023 and 2024.
He was speaking during a media tour of NAC projects in Mangwe and Bulilima yesterday.
He attributed the achievement to a combination of evidence-based interventions, including behavioural, biomedical and structural prevention programmes targeted at different groups.
“Some interventions include amplified awareness campaigns in hot spot areas, the introduction of the Community ART Refill Groups, the Sister to Sister programme, Male Clinic, Not In My Village, review meetings and health services provision initiatives,” said Mr Hanyane.
“However, we are still worried that the number remains higher in our province and on a national scale.
“Going forward, we will continue with a multi-sectorial approach with all line stakeholders.
“We have noted that high incidence rates are recorded among the 15 to 19 years age group.”
He added that the NAC’s efforts have been instrumental in reducing new infections, particularly among adolescents and young people.
Mr Hanyane further emphasised that the organisation will continue implementing various initiatives to prevent new infections, including increasing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and promoting HIV testing and counselling.
He highlighted that the key drivers of new infections in the area were rising intergenerational relationships, multiple concurrent partnerships, incorrect and inconsistent use of condoms and low risk perceptions.
“The hotspot areas are Maitengwe Border Post, Madlambuzi growth point, Ndolwane growth point and Bhagani business centre,” said Mr Hanyane.
Speaking during the same tour, NAC provincial manager Mr Mgcini Sibanda, said the media has a strong role to play in raising awareness and strengthening the fight against HIV/Aids on the ground.
He said they were getting support from community leaders across the province, especially on the Not in My Village initiative across the province.
Mr Sibanda said collaboration among key stakeholders was essential to maintaining the gains made in reducing the effects of the pandemic.
“We are happy to partner with the media as we seek to reduce the HIV/Aids in our province and country,” he said.
“We need your voices to educate communities, tell the real story and review progress on our work as NAC on the ground”.
Bongani Ndlovu