Matabeleland North hard hit by HIV in Zimbabwe

Sex workers in Bubi listen to a peer educator Ms Natasha Moyo during an educational session at Badala Business Center

Robin Muchetu,Health and Gender Editor

MATABELELAND North Province has the second highest HIV prevalence rate of 14.4 percent in Zimbabwe after Matabeleland South (17.3 percent), a situation fueled by various issues like sex work in mines and business centres.

This was revealed by the National Aids Council (NAC) Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for Matabeleland North Province Mr Mxolisi Moyo, during a media briefing this Wednesday morning.

HIV prevalence refers to the percentage of people living with HIV at a particular place and period.
The district surpasses the national HIV prevalence rate which currently stands at around 11.7 percent.
NAC is implementing a Key Population programme to address the challenge of sex work, which is fueling the spread of HIV in Bubi District.

“Sex work is rampant in mines and business centres in Bubi district, hence the high numbers of female sex workers. Female sex workers remain at a higher risk of HIV acquisition due to risky behaviors and exposure to Gender based violence, Intimate partner violence (IPV), stigma and discrimination,” reported NAC.
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