Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
Ms Nokuthaba Siziba (19) from Mangwe District is one of the young women who have taken the bold step to embrace HIV programming, which is targeting young women as they are the most affected.
She attends sessions where they are educated on HIV-related issues under the Sista2Sista model.
Ms Siziba, who completed her O-level in 2023 said there are many challenges and encounters faced by adolescent girls and young women, putting them at risk. She said being proactive is crucial.
“I heard from a friend of mine that there was a programme which was targeted at empowering girls and young women through educating them on HIV-related issues, as well as economic empowerment. I saw it prudent for me to join.
“I have gained a lot of knowledge which will help to protect me as a young woman and ensure that I’m productive in life. I now sell a few grocery items from my home in order for me to get income,” she said.
Ms Siziba said with the knowledge she has gained, she is now able to make responsible choices which will protect her from HIV and STI infection and unwanted pregnancy.
Ms Happiness Ndlovu (21) who is a mother of a five-year-old boy said the Sista2Sista programme economic strengthening sessions have brought a huge impact on a life as she now has an income generating project. She said she is now able to fend for herself and her baby which reduces the risk of being sexually exploited.
Ms Analisi Nkomo (24) who has an eight month old baby said the Sista2Sista programme serves as a platform where the youth can support and help one another. She said together a lot can be achieved rather than standing alone.
“The programme has created a safe space for me where I can meet with my peers and share a lot of stuff. I get to realise that I’m not the only one who encounters challenges, and I’m not the only one who has made wrong decisions. We can relate with one another.
“I wrote my O-level and managed to pass four subjects but now I wish to supplement as I wish to study nursing. The programme has helped to build my confidence and I now have hope,” she said.
Educating youths has been identified as one of the key strategies in the fight against HIV and Aids, with the National Aids Council (Nac) having rolled out a number of projects, among them the Sista2Sista model.
Under the programme, ambassadors have been trained who mentor 50 adolescent girls and young women.
The Sista2Sista programme offers a safe place where adolescent girls speak with mentors and each other about their problems. Girls in the club learn about sexual and reproductive health and rights, financial literacy and how to navigate difficult social situations, including coercive relationships.
Macingwane Village mentor, Ms Liluba Ngwenya meets with her mentees weekly where she discusses with them various HIV-related issues. Her mentees are non-school going girls between the ages 10 to 24 years. The mentees undergo a one year training.
“As a mentor under the Sista2Sista programme my role is to take the young girls through a series of topics that will equip them with knowledge and information that will enable them to make informed and wise decisions which will protect them against HIV infection and other dangers. The programme also seeks to empower the young girls,” she said.
Nac Mangwe District Programmes Assistant, Ms Elenny Mpofu said HIV programming and education are crucial in the fight against HIV as they are among the most affected age group.
Mangwe District has an HIV prevalence rate of 16,8 percent. The incidence rate for ages 15 to 49 years is 0,27 percent, being the highest in Matabeleland South. The district also recorded more new HIV infections and STI cases among ages 20 to 24. Teenagers between the ages 15 and 19 also accounted for most of the Antenatal Care (ANC) bookings recorded between January to August this year with 649 out of 1 257 bookings.
“The statistics that we have as a district are a clear indication that adolescent girls and young women face the highest risk when it comes to HIV infections. That’s why it’s important to have programming that is targeting youngsters such as the Sista2Sista programme,” she said.-@DubeMatutu
