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Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya
AFTER being identified as one of the provinces with the highest HIV prevalence pegged at 21,78 percent, Bulawayo is set to hold the national World Aids Day (WAD) commemorations under the theme a�?Close the tap of new infections,a�? at White City Stadium.
The last WAD was held last year in Kwekwe at Mbizo Stadium where multitudes thronged the venue to take part in the commemorations.
Under this yeara��s theme, close the tap of new HIV infections, Bulawayo provincial Aids director Sinatra Nyathi, said the theme addressed a new initiative to tackle HIV infections.
a�?We have realised over the past years that we have been mopping the floor while the tap of infection is running. As a result this year we are saying leta��s close the tap first and then we can start to mop the floor to achieve desired results,a�? said Nyathi.
The WAD preparations were at a stakeholder engagement stage whereby different stakeholders were being consulted, to ensure the day creates desired HIV awareness and consciousness.
a�?We have different stakeholders that we are consulting. These include, advocacy, media, edutainment, venue dA�cor and catering committee. All of these committees are there to ensure the day runs smoothly,a�? she said.
Since WAD is usually a one-day event, Nyathi added that they would hold pre-events serving as build-ups to the main commemoration day.
a�?We have realised that one day is not going to be enough to cover all the commemorations. Therefore we have come up with pre-events which will include Family Wellness Day, whereby families will go through different screening procedures for different ailments.
a�?We are also going to have musical HIV prevention gala and a role models day whereby different musicians will sing theme songs on Aids and interact with young people to create HIV awareness,a�? she said.
Since ita��s a national event Nyathi added that the army, police and prisons were also going to conduct marches from different locations to the main venue.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo