Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Herald Correspondent
HARARE Metropolitan Province is grappling with alarming HIV statistics, with over 195 429 people living with the virus, representing a prevalence rate of 8,4 percent.
Even more concerning is the annual incidence of 2 644 new infections, nearly half of which affect youths aged 15 to 24 years.
These figures were highlighted by Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tawengwa at a sensitisation meeting that was organised by the National Aids Council early last week.
Addressing councillors, mayors, deputy mayors, church and business community leaders from the province, Sen Tawengwa emphasised the urgent need for a united effort to tackle HIV, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse.
“These statistics are not just numbers, they represent real lives, families and communities being disrupted by these challenges. We must strengthen our commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against HIV,” he said.
The minister underscored the disproportionate impact of HIV on young people, with 1 341 new infections recorded annually among youths aged 15 to 24 years.
He urged leaders to prioritise targeted awareness campaigns and educational programmes to encourage safe sexual and reproductive health practices.
Despite the setbacks, Harare Province has made remarkable strides in HIV treatment.
Sen Tawengwa commended the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the National AIDS Council for introducing Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV treatment.
This innovative treatment, administered twice a year, is expected to benefit over 200 000 people in the province.
The Minister also cited stigma as a major barrier to progress in the fight against HIV and drug abuse.
He urged councillors to lead efforts in their communities to demystify stigma and discrimination.
NAC Harare provincial manager, Mr Adonijah Muzondiona, said the event was a major milestone for the councillors of the Harare Metropolitan Province.
This was the second meeting held this year, with the first session involving half the councillors having been held earlier in the year.
This session engaged the remaining batch.
“The meeting aimed to educate councillors on the role and responsibilities of (NAC) and its mandate. We shared updates on the HIV epidemic, new technologies like injectables, and prevention methods,” he said.
Mr Muzondiona added that councillors play a crucial role in engaging with communities at the grassroots level.
Speaking to the media after the programme, Ruwa mayor Mr Michael Mataruka hailed the programme and vowed to cascade the information to grassroots levels by conducting ward based feedback meetings.
Epworth Local Board chairperson councillor Nyarai Rutsito shared similar sentiments and vowed to conduct community engagements educating people about HIV, drug and substance abuse.
