HIV awareness in rural areas scaled up

country.
The activities are being funded by CESVI, an Italian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
CESVI has immensely contributed towards healthcare in Zimbabwe since 2001, especially targeting issues on HIV and malaria prevention, support to hospitals and rural clinics and treatment of malnourished children.

Speaking at the just ended three week HIV and Aids awareness campaign held in Chaona, Centenary under the theme Stop Aids Keep The Promise, NAC District co-ordinator for Muzarabani, Mr Richard Chasima, expressed gratitude towards CESVI and PSI Zimbabwe’s support.
He said more than 500 people had already been tested in the area under the campaign, adding that the number would increase as it spreads to other areas.

“We managed to offer Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) to a large number of people through the help of our partner PSI Zimbabwe who offered testing on sight,” he said.
Mr Chasima urged CESVI to support more programmes of this nature in the area.

“We are urging CESVI to finance more campaigns in our furthest wards.
“We have a problem of mobility due to a shortage of resources and bad roads severely affect our operations.

“Our plans are to get to the lower valley in Dande and areas closer to the border,” he said.
Mr Chasima said the campaigns had been so far successful in other areas such as Chadereka, Mutemakungu and Gado.

In another interview, the councillor for the ward Ms Sarudzai Mutyavaviri, thanked CESVI, NAC and other partners for the programme.
“People have come out in their large numbers for testing. In the first week there were few people. However, as the weeks progressed the numbers increased.

“CESVI also supplied all the expenses on food requirements and other necessities, we never forked out money from our pockets,” she said.
Community representative, Mr Stanley Mapondera, said that they were happy that VCT services had been brought closer through this campaign.

“We are happy that people came out in their large numbers for testing and are very grateful to CESVI for organising this campaign.
“People are coming out in the open with their status and seeking help, these are great strides that this community has made,” he said.