Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Men in Matabeleland South are increasingly embracing HIV and Aids intervention programmes, signalling a major shift in attitudes in a province where the fight against the virus was once largely viewed as women’s responsibility.
Government, through the National Aids Council, is implementing community ART refill groups and the behaviour change community model, among other initiatives, across all seven districts .
The programmes are beginning to yield positive results, with more men now voluntarily going for HIV testing, joining support groups and openly discussing HIV and Aids issues within their communities.
National Aids Council provincial manager Mr Mgcini Ncube said the interventions were changing mindsets and encouraging male participation in HIV prevention and treatment programmes.
Speaking during a media tour of Matobo and Beitbridge districts, Mr Ncube said the council was is establishing peer support groups that are attracting increasing numbers of men.
In separate interviews, men from Simpane in Ward 4, Matobo District, said the behaviour change programme had helped curb new HIV infections through awareness campaigns and community engagement.
“We now have more information about HIV and Aids in our community because we have been attending National Aids Council outreach programmes,” said Mr Thandani Ncube, a member of the Sicelo Mine behaviour change community group.
