Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
THE Behaviour Change Community Motivator (BCCM) model, one of the approaches being used by the National AIDS Council (NAC) in the fight against HIV and AIDS, is yielding positive results in Chikomba District, with officials reporting a significant reduction in new sexually transmitted infections.
BCCM is a community-based HIV prevention approach that focuses on engaging men and boys to encourage healthier behaviours and greater uptake of HIV services.
Under the model, NAC uses trained community-based motivators who engage people through dialogue, peer influence and culturally appropriate communication.
The discussions cover a range of issues, including HIV prevention and testing, sexual and reproductive health, condom use and other HIV prevention measures.
Other topics include gender-based violence, drug and substance abuse, HIV treatment and support services, as well as stigma associated with the disease.
By involving men and boys in HIV prevention efforts, NAC seeks to ensure that no one is left behind as the country works towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
In an interview with Zimpapers during a media tour in Ward 8, Chikomba district, on Wednesday, Mr Erick Ruori, the BCCM Mentor for the ward, said that ever since the programme was introduced, there has been an increase in men seeking health services in the ward.
“We work with a group of 20 men per every three months, and we do about 12 sessions with them,” he said.
“We are pleased because men have embraced this programme and are increasingly seeking our services.
“We are bringing HIV self-test kits to them, and they are embracing these services. A lot of people prefer privacy, and the self-test kits offer that advantage.
“I want to call on more men to join our programmes as we continuously fight HIV and AIDS.”
Mr Christmas Magunda from Ward 8 said that had it not been for NAC interventions, HIV would be rearing its ugly head in the area.
He attributed the continuous spread of HIV to various issues, among others, infidelity as well as drug and substance abuse.
Mr Magunda said men should take a leading role in the fight to end HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe.
He commended NAC for various interventions which he said are contributing to behavioural change among men.
“NAC has brought a lot of interventions in this ward, and we are benefiting,” Mr Mangunda said.
“Their BCCM programme is bearing fruit. As you know, men do not want to seek health services early, but in this area, all that is in the past.
“We learn a lot from this programme, issues of drug abuse, gender-based violence, issues of practising safer sex and being loyal to one partner, among others, are discussed every time during our sessions.”
Ward 8 councillor Alderman Learnmore Mufamba said NAC interventions have brought a major relief to the people in his ward.
“Knowledge is power. People have been losing their lives due to lack of knowledge. Once one has knowledge, that person is empowered and can make informed decisions,” he said. “NAC, working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, is bringing a lot of programmes in Chikomba and my ward is not left behind.
“Women are even tested for cervical cancer. This is remarkable as it helps women to be assisted earlier.
“It is important for people to know their health statuses, and this is what NAC is doing. This is important because people can be assisted in time and lives can be saved.”
He appealed to authorities to continue carrying out programmes in his ward.
