Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya in Esigodini
MATABELELAND South will this year host the national World Aids Day commemorations at Mzingwane High School in Esigodini, Umzingwane District, with preparations already underway.
The event, set for December 1, will be held under the theme: “Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming Aids Response.”
World Aids Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.
National Aids Council (Nac) acting director of communications, Mr Trust Govere, said the commemoration aims to raise awareness about HIV/Aids, combat stigma and promote understanding among communities. He emphasised the importance of collective action to address inequalities that hinder progress in ending the epidemic.
“The theme provides an opportunity for the country and its partners to strengthen strategies in the fight against HIV/Aids. It is especially relevant in the context of donor funding cuts,” said Mr Govere.
“We have activated all committees and put measures in place to ensure this event is a success despite limited resources.”
Key activities lined up for the day include a candlelight memorial to honour those who have passed away, scheduled for the evening before the main event. Additionally, a wellness marathon has been organised to promote healthy living and raise awareness about HIV prevention and treatment.
Mr Govere also revealed that a number of popular artistes from Matabeleland South have been engaged to perform during the main commemorations, adding a celebratory and community-focused dimension to the event.
Zimbabwe has made significant strides in the fight against HIV and Aids since the height of the epidemic in the 1990s. According to UNAids, national HIV prevalence peaked at around 25 percent in the late 1990s, prompting a coordinated national response. The establishment of the Nac in 2000 marked a turning point, bringing together Government, civil society and international partners to implement prevention, treatment and care programmes.
Key milestones include the expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART), from a handful of patients in the early 2000s to over 1,2 million people on ART today, radically reducing Aids-related deaths and mother-to-child transmission prevention (PMTCT) programmes, which have reduced new HIV infections among children by over 60 percent since 2005.
Programmes such as the Community ART Refill Groups (CARGs) and the Sista2Sista initiative have empowered communities, especially women and youth, to take ownership of HIV prevention and care, while the adoption of the National HIV and Aids Strategic Plan has strengthened co-ordination and prioritised vulnerable groups.
