Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, Features Writer
UNDER a huge Mkhuna tree at Zenka Clinic in Nkayi District, Matabeleland North Province, nearly hundred men are seated in a set up one could mistake for a patriarchal village court session as only men are in attendance.
Standing up and in charge of the session is a woman, Mrs Sikhangezile Nkomo, one of the 18 women and two men engaged by the National Aids Council as a Behaviour Change Community Motivators (BCCM) with a special task to talk to men in Nkayi District about HIV so that they seek health services in time.
According to NAC, Nkayi District, with a population of 112 471, is one of the HIV hardest-hit districts in Zimbabwe, with 10 723 HIV-positive people.
However, the district is making great progress in fighting the virus with an impressive 97 percent ART coverage for those aged 15 and above.
But the big challenge in this success story is that men are not forthcoming when it comes to HIV testing.
“Most men here are not seeking HIV prevention services and as such our programmes are tailor made to ensure that men are reached wherever they are,” said NAC Matabeleland North Provincial manager, Mr Dingaan Ncube.
According to NAC, there is one man for every three women visiting health centres for HIV services in Nkayi District alone, which is low.
The HIV prevalence rate in Nkayi is at 15,11percent against a national rate of 11,8 percent.
“Nkayi is a patriarchal society. Men wield a lot of power rendering women more vulnerable to HIV infection. We also have low risk perception and multiple concurrent partners. Men are at great risk because they test the least but have a high positivity rate,” Mr Ncube said.
Last year, 4 351 men and 14 233 women were tested for HIV in the district.
“Of these, 426 tested HIV positive, consisting of 168 men and 258 women resulting in an overall positivity rate of 2,29. Men’s positivity rate was 3,86 percent compared to the women’s positivity rate of 1,81 percent,” said Mr Ncube.
Using the Behaviour Change Community Motivators model, Mr Ncube said, NAC wants to increase male uptake of HIV testing services and also engage men in HIV prevention efforts.
Mrs Nkomo said at the beginning, there was resistance but now men appreciate the benefits of the programme.
“I have a group of 20 men that I work with in a quarter and another 16, which I visit at their homesteads per month.
We talk about HIV and Aids and record their details. I give them slips that they take to health centres for blood tests and general check-up,” she said.
“With the referral letter I give, it makes it easier for men to be treated as I provide all the information on the individual to health institutions. Some men are afraid to open up at health centres so the referral letter makes it easier for them.”
Mrs Nkomo said the individuals she sends to clinics or hospital bring back a confirmation for treatment.
She said when brought together, men open up on health issues that they face.
Mrs Nkomo said Gender-Based Violence was a big challenge in her area but through the programme, men are changing for the better.
“The men we engage are now talking to their partners and the women have hailed the programme. We also encourage them to accompany their wives for antenatal visits so that they are both checked to help avoid infecting their baby if they are HIV-positive,” she said.
Some of the men interviewed said they were not free to talk to female nurses at clinics.
“We want to talk to men. That way, we will be free to express ourselves. Imagine being told by a female nurse to take off your pants so that she can examine your manhood,” said Mr Aaron Moyo.
Mr Bernard Maphosa, a village head, said there was a gradual change in men from the area following NAC interventions.
He said there was a need to create dedicated areas and health centres that address men’s issues.
“When we meet, we are free to talk. We have visited health centres for check-ups following the male engagement sessions we have had with Mrs Nkomo. Since last year, I know about four men who tested positive and are now on ART,” said Mr Maphosa.
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