Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Recently in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe
The National Aids Council (NAC) is implementing the Behaviour Change Community Mobilisers programme in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District, following reports of new HIV infections among adolescent boys and men aged 24 and 70.
The programme is being implemented in 15 wards of UMP to curb the scourge. In an interview with Zimpapers, District Aids Coordinator (DAC) for Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, Mr Owen Mupemhi, said the interventions are bearing fruit.
“We are implementing this programme in 15 wards of Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, after realising new HIV transmissions among adolescent boys and men up to the age of 70,” he said.
“So this is a male engagement programme where we educate them on safe sex practices. We bring services to them because we realised that men have a low health-seeking behaviour.
“In this programme, we are not only targeting men at their homes, but we also visit them at their workplaces. This is bearing fruit because a lot of men are now seeking health services. There is a growing demand for these services. We are excited because we aim to end new HIV infections by 2030.”
Mr Artwell Ndemera (33), an employee at Suraj Mine, said he has benefited immensely from the programme.
“The programme has motivated most of us to seek health services on time. Most men are indeed reluctant when it comes to seeking medical services, and, sadly, most of us perish because of a lack of knowledge,” he said.
“I want to thank the National Aids Council for reaching out to us with this programme. We spent most of our time at work and they are aware of that; this is why they bring services here so that we can access them easily.”
Another worker at Suraj Mine, who preferred to remain anonymous, said NAC has also taught them to shun gender based violence.
“I used to think that I knew a lot, but after receiving some education from NAC, I realised that a lot of critical information was missing. I did not know that gender-based violence is one of the aspects driving new HIV transmissions. I chose to be peaceful at home and at work, and I will remain that way.
“I also learnt to use protection out there consistently and to ensure I know my status.”
