Call to reduce HIV infections

Blessings Chidakwa in Kadoma
Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Mary Mliswa-Chikoka has called for concerted efforts to prevent new HIV and Aids infections in the province, especially in areas with a high prevalence rate such as Chegutu District. Statistics have shown that Chegutu District has the highest HIV and AIDS prevalence rate in Mashonaland West Province.

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka revealed the statistics during this year’s National Aids Council (NAC) provincial World Aids Day celebrations held in Sanyati recently.

“Chegutu District is on top with 16,8 percent followed by Sanyati and Zvimba tied at 15,2 percent, Makonde (14,1), Mhondoro Ngezi (13,6), Hurungwe (11,4) and Kariba the least with 8,8 percent,” she said.

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka said the province should join hands across the political and religious divide to prevent new infections.
“All political parties, traditional leaders and the community at large let us unite and fight that we have no new HIV and Aids cases. We need to work as a team and improve our private-public partnerships in the fight against Aids,” she said.
Minister Mliswa-Chikoka urged people to know their status early.

“Know your statuses early so that you get early treatment. We should also call for an end to stigmatisation,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Mines and Mining Development Minister Deputy Minister Polite Kambamura called on artisanal miners to act responsibly.

“We urge miners to conduct their activities responsibly by respecting themselves and avoid luring youngsters as they easily get tempted from the money you will be spending out of your fortunes,” he said.

“We also want to reach 100 percent in terms of testing people for HIV. For this to be achieved there is need for more awareness campaigns to reach the people. Also distribution of medicines should reach people in remote areas.”

According to information from the Health and Child Care Ministry as at September 2018, 146 285 people tested HIV positive in Mashonaland West with 138 121 of them being adults while 8 164 were children aged between 0-14 years.
New infections for all age groups stood at 1 320 cases.