Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
MINING districts in the Midlands Province have been identified as key drivers of new HIV infections, prompting the National Aids Council (NAC) to roll out targeted programmes for artisanal miners and vulnerable groups, including commercial sex workers.
The province has recorded a significant decline in HIV prevalence, from 18,1 percent in 2005 to 10,94 percent in 2022. However, high-risk districts such as Zvishavane, Shurugwi and Mberengwa remain areas of concern. Gokwe North and South have also emerged as hotspots, with intensive mining activities contributing to the highest number of new HIV infections.
This was revealed by acting Midlands provincial manager, Mr Josiah Machakata, during an interview on the sidelines of the recent Midlands Province World Aids Day commemorations held at Gwanika Business Centre in Gokwe South.
Mr Machakata said several programmes are being implemented to curb HIV transmission in mining communities, noting that miners do not live in isolation but interact closely with surrounding populations.
“We are programming for miners through peer educators to ensure they access HIV prevention, testing and treatment services,” he said.
He added that NAC also conducts outreach and awareness campaigns targeting men, adolescent girls and young women.
“We are empowering adolescent girls and young women through the sister-to-sister model, where one sister recruits up to 50 others, and they undergo sessions throughout the year. The aim is to reduce their vulnerability,” he said.
Mr Machakata said the choice of Gwanika Business Centre as this year’s World Aids Day venue was deliberate, given its status as an isolated mining pocket.
“We don’t want this area to distort the HIV situation in Gokwe South, which has a relatively low prevalence rate. We also don’t want the mining community here to skew the district’s overall picture. As long as communities continue accessing services, we expect to see positive outcomes in the next two to three years,” he said.
He noted a positive shift in behaviour among community members accessing HIV treatment.
“The fact that people are now accessing services shows a change in mindset. Public health facilities were previously viewed negatively, but their increased use indicates progress,” he said.
The province has an estimated 165 019 people living with HIV, including 7 119 children under the age of 15 and 157 900 adults. HIV prevalence among people aged 15 to 49 stands at 16, 37 percent in Zvishavane and 14, 64 percent in Shurugwi.
