Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
IN what appears to be a shift from long-standing stereotypes, men in Ward 6 of Gwanda District turned out in their numbers to access HIV-related services, during a mobile health outreach organised by the National Aids Council (NAC) and its partners.
For years, health authorities have raised concerns over the low participation of men in HIV testing and treatment programmes. But on Thursday, the Mtshazo area witnessed a change as men stood side-by-side with women to receive a wide range of health services.
The outreach, which catered to residents from six surrounding villages, brought essential services such as HIV testing and counselling, cervical cancer screening, family planning, mental health care, eye screening and condom distribution directly to the community. It also included educational sessions on gender-based violence, drug and substance abuse and general health awareness.
Speaking during the outreach, villagers lauded the initiative for making healthcare more accessible, especially for those in remote areas. The programme is one of several being visited by journalists under NAC’s ongoing media tour.
“It’s important for us as men to access HIV-related services because this pandemic doesn’t discriminate by gender. I’m here to get tested for HIV because I want to know my status, which is good for my health and the well-being of my family,” said Mr Ndabezinhle Nyoni.
He urged other men to do the same.
Eighty-year-old Mr Reuben Moyo, from Sibona Village said age should never be a barrier to taking care of one’s health.
Ms Lerato Sibindi, another beneficiary, said the mobile clinic is a huge relief for many residents.
“We have to walk two hours to reach the nearest health facility at Mtshabezi Mission Hospital. That journey discourages many from seeking help. Today, I was screened for cervical cancer and tested for HIV. It’s been an eye-opening experience, and we’re grateful for this opportunity,” she said.
Senior village head Mr Innocent Mabhena of Gwakwe Village called for regular outreach programmes, saying they play a vital role in improving the lives of rural residents.
NAC Gwanda District Aids Co-ordinator, Mrs Alice Moyo, said the outreach was part of efforts to improve community-level access to HIV-related services and encourage inclusive health-seeking behaviour.
“As NAC, we engaged various partners, which include the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council and Gwanda One Stop Centre, among others, to offer health-related services to the Mtshazo Community,” she said.
Ms Moyo said such activities are crucial in their HIV prevention drive. Ms Moyo said NAC used various strategies to mobilise the community, including engaging peer educators, traditional leaders and councillors, with a specific focus on encouraging male participation.
“While the programme primarily targeted people with HIV, we eventually opened it to all community members. People came out in numbers, and we were pleased as we had a lot of men coming through,” she said.
“Men usually shy away from HIV-related services, but they need to realise that HIV doesn’t discriminate based on gender. As we were mobilising for this activity, we made it a point to spread the message to men.” —@DubeMatutu
