Youths talk HIV, stigma

Trudence Mangachena Cool Writer
Young People’s Network Chitungwiza, an arm of the National Aids Council, recently held a video screening programme at Excel College in Zengeza 2, fulfilling one of their mandates to establish a mechanism for open dialogue and information exchange among young people.
Over 60 young people graced the event including members of the network as well as students from the host school.
The video screening was of a film titled “I Want A Wedding Dress’’ by Tsitsi Dangarembga.

One of the objectives of the network is to facilitate the exchange of information as well as knowledge sharing about best practices and lessons learnt from youth programmes on HIV and Aids. Everyone present had the opportunity to air their views.

One of the participants, Adrian Munyoro, said Kundai, the main character in the film, thought help was offered to her genuinely unaware that the ulterior motive behind thus she ended up getting infected with HIV.

To Rosalia Ndumo and Kudakwashe Dzvairo the film portrayed stigma, discrimination as well as the love of riding fancy cars by some girls.
“Most girls love riding fancy cars in order to attain a certain status in the society and after being infected with HIV by their male partners they suffer from stigma and discrimination after disclosing their status,” said Kuda.

“I have learnt that one has to work hard for better living standards because Kundai was after a wedding dress she could not afford hence she ended up doing the wrong things in pursuit of her dream,’’ said Bybit Kutadzaushe.

A spokesperson of National Aids Council, Mr Koro, who was spearheading the event, called on the youth to desist from stigmatising people who are living positively with HIV.

“As people we must not judge anyone who is HIV positive, but understand the story behind and accept them. Having HIV is not a death penalty,” he said.

Pride Shonhiwa, who was facilitating the programme, brought to light some of the issues that were highlighted in the film such as the dangers of sexual networks, peer pressure as well as poverty.

“Trust alone is not enough. Testing is important in relationships though there are other factors that should not be left out.
“These should include acceptance of HIV status, disclosure but above all as young people we must advocate for abstinence,’’ he said.
The network is committed to providing a quality and co-ordinated multi-sectoral response to HIV and Aids for young people in Zimbabwe.