Online Reporter
Locadia Mavhudzi, Midlands Correspondent
THE Midlands Province continues to record high cases of HIV vertical transmission, despite concerted efforts by the National Aids Council (NAC) and the Ministry of Health and Child Care to curb the spread of the virus from HIV-positive mothers to their babies during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
Vertical transmission of HIV, also known as mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), can be significantly reduced through early detection of HIV in pregnant women, provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy and breastfeeding and the promotion of safe and healthy breastfeeding practices.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Media Sensitisation workshop on HIV, Drug Abuse, and Disaster Preparedness, facilitated by NAC in Kwekwe recently, NAC Midlands Provincial Manager Mr Mambewu Shumba said the province’s MTCT rate stands at 0.7 percent, slightly above the national average of 0.5 percent.
“Zimbabwe has made significant progress in reducing MTCT rates, with a notable decline in transmission rates from 30 percent in 2005 to 0.5 percent. However, it is worrisome that as a province, we are slightly above the national average, standing at 0.7 percent,” he said.
Mr Mambewu said that there are gaps in vertical transmission that need to be attended to.
“Fear, stigma and other socio-cultural barriers account for non-disclosure of HIV status among partners and family members, hindering access to necessary services,” he said.
Journalists, Mr Shumba said, play a vital role in educating the public about the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, helping to increase awareness and acceptance of these lifesaving services.
He also informed journalists that new HIV infections among adolescents remain a concern, with 280 females and 38 males infected in 2023.
“The new infections among the adolescent population are five times higher for females than males. Statistics for 2023 indicate 280 new infections for females against 38 for males. These are concentrated in hotspots of Shurugwi, Kwekwe and Zvishavane mining areas.”
Mr Shumba said the Ministry of Health and Child Care, NAC, and partners are implementing preventive programmes targeting both in-school and out-of-school adolescents, including initiatives such as the Sister to Sister programme and the DREAMS project.
Midlands Provincial Director for Local Governance and Civil Protection, Mr Charlton Murove, briefed journalists on the link between HIV and disaster preparedness and response.
“Disasters can damage or disable health facilities, disrupt supply chains for medications and overload healthcare systems, making it difficult for people living with HIV to access treatment and care. Journalists play a key role in disseminating correct and factual information in periods of disasters and emergencies,” Mr Murove said.
He said Midlands Province is vulnerable to natural disasters such as drought and flooding, highlighting the need for close collaboration to disseminate information that enables the public to make informed decisions during emergencies.
Zimbabwe has made significant strides toward meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: 95 percent of people living with HIV tested, 95 percent of those diagnosed on treatment and 95 percent of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.
