Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
MORE than 31 600 people in Zibagwe Rural District, Kwekwe, are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) as health authorities grapple with persistently high new HIV infections, the latest District Aids Action Committee (DAAC) report has revealed.
According to the report, Samambwa Clinic and Silobela District Hospital are recording the highest number of new HIV cases in the district.
Zibagwe Rural District Council (ZRDC) chief executive officer Mr Farayi Machaya revealed the figures during a recent full council meeting.
He said 26 people had died in the district since January 2026, although the report did not specify how many of the deaths were HIV-related.
“As an RDC we continue to record high numbers of new HIV infections, with Samambwa Clinic and Silobela District Hospital reporting more new cases, according to the latest District Aids Action Committee AAC) report.
“More than 31 600 people in the district were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 26 people had died since January this year, although the report did not provide a breakdown of the causes of death or indicate how many of the deaths were directly attributable to HIV-related conditions,” said Mr Machaya.
He urged residents to undergo HIV testing early and encouraged those on ART to adhere to their treatment regimens.
Mr Machaya also expressed concern over the rising number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the district.
A total of 1 495 STI cases were recorded during the first quarter of the year, with 59 percent of the cases involving people aged between 25 and 45.
“According to the DAAC report, 59 percent of the STI cases were recorded among people aged between 25 and 45,” he said.
Mr Machaya called for intensified promotion of condom use as part of efforts to curb the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, particularly among the economically active population.
“We’re encouraging HIV testing, treatment adherence and safer sexual practices as key measures in preventing new infections and improving health outcomes,” he said.
Mr Machaya noted that the report did not provide comparative figures from previous reporting periods, making it difficult to determine the magnitude of the increase in new HIV infections and STI cases.
