Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
THE National Aids Council has intensified efforts to curb new HIV infections in Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe (UMP) District by rolling out a targeted male-focused behaviour change programme after reports of rising new infections among adolescent boys and men aged between 24 and 70.
The Behaviour Change Community Mobilisers programme is being implemented in 15 wards across the district and seeks to address risky sexual behaviour and low health-seeking habits among men, which health officials say are contributing to new HIV transmissions.
In an interview, UMP District Aids Coordinator Mr Owen Mupemhi said the initiative was already yielding positive results, with more men now coming forward to access HIV-related health services.
“We started implementing this programme in 15 wards of Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe after realising that new HIV infections were occurring mainly among adolescent boys and men, extending even to those as old as 70,” Mr Mupemhi said.
“This is a male engagement programme where we focus on educating men about safe sexual practices and the importance of knowing their HIV status.
“We realised that men generally have low health-seeking behaviour, so instead of waiting for them to come to health facilities, we are taking services to them.”
Mr Mupemhi said the programme targets men not only in their homes ,but also at their workplaces, a strategy that has significantly increased uptake of health services.
“We visit men at their workplaces because that is where they spend most of their time. This approach is bearing fruit, as we are seeing a growing demand for HIV testing and other health services. We are encouraged by this response because our ultimate goal is to end new HIV infections by 2030,” he said.
Beneficiaries of the programme have also welcomed the intervention, saying it has helped break long-standing attitudes that discourage men from seeking medical care.
Mr Artwell Ndemera (33), an employee at Suraj Mine in the district, said the programme had transformed how men view their health.
“The programme has motivated most of us to seek health services in time. It is true that many men are reluctant to go to clinics, and sadly, some lose their lives simply because of lack of information,” he said.
“I want to thank the National Aids Council for bringing these services to us. We spend most of our time at work, so when health services come here, it becomes easier for us to access them.”
Another worker at the mine, who requested anonymity, said the programme had also opened their eyes to the link between gender-based violence and HIV transmission.
“I thought I knew a lot, but through this programme I realised that I was missing critical information. I did not know that gender-based violence is one of the factors driving new HIV infections,” he said.
“I have since chosen to be peaceful both at home and at work. I have also learnt the importance of consistently using protection and ensuring that I know my HIV status.”
