tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
TSHOLOTSHO district has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the country due to migration and spousal separation, according to the National AIDS Council (NAC).
The district has a prevalence rate of 22,9 percent, which is the highest in Matabeleland North province.
NAC provincial manager for Matabeleland North Mr Dingaan Ncube said this during a media tour in the province.
Most married men in the district, he said, either work in South Africa or Botswana, while their female counterparts remain in Tsholotsho.
“Tsholotsho district is contributing significantly in terms of new HIV infections simply because of spousal separation, because most men in the district either work in South Africa or Botswana, while their female counterparts are resident in Tsholotsho,” said Mr Ncube.
“So, it is because of issues to do with spousal separation and low condom use.”
He also said the rise of ‘malaicha’ — those who deliver goods to and from neighbouring countries, especially South Africa — is contributing to the problem due to increased cross-border activities and movement of migrant populations to and from South Africa.
Online Reporter