Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
MISINFORMATION and stigma have been identified as some of the major stumbling blocks in the fight against HIV in Matabeleland South, amid concerns over the province’s high prevalence rates which remain above the national average.
Addressing journalists on Monday during a media tour, National AIDS Council Matabeleland South provincial manager Mr Mgcini Sibanda said the media has a critical role to play in educating communities and dispelling myths surrounding HIV and Aids.
He said stigma and discrimination continue to undermine efforts to prevent new infections and encourage communities to access HIV-related services.
“We continue to bear a disproportional burden to HIV in the country with most of our districts above the national averages. This means as a province we need to double our efforts and speak with one voice. The main challenge that is still faced by most people in the HIV response are things to do with stigma,” said Mr Sibanda.
“We still have stigma where most of our communities shun HIV testing and other services because of stigma. There is both internal and external stigma. We need the media to disseminate information and educate the masses and we want to eliminate any forms of stigma related to HIV.”
Mr Sibanda said prevention strategies being implemented in the province are largely community-based and involve integrated outreach programmes bringing together different stakeholders involved in prevention, mitigation and care services.
He said the programmes are meant to ensure communities in remote areas have easier access to HIV services and information.
Statistics from the National AIDS Council show that all districts in Matabeleland South have HIV prevalence rates above the national average of 9,8 percent, signalling the need for intensified intervention measures.
Bulilima, Mangwe and Gwanda districts have prevalence rates above the provincial average of 15 percent.
According to the statistics, Bulilima has the highest prevalence rate at 17,6 percent, followed by Mangwe at 16,8 percent, while Gwanda stands at 15,8 percent.
Beitbridge has a prevalence rate of 14,5 percent, followed by Matobo at 13,8 percent and Insiza at 13,6 percent. Umzingwane has the lowest prevalence rate in the province at 13,3 percent.
The statistics also show that the HIV incidence rate in the province remains notably higher than the national average, with Matabeleland South recording an incidence rate of 0,20 compared to the national figure of 0,14.
