Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
ZVISHAVANE DISTRICT has emerged as a new HIV infection hotspot in the Midlands Province, overtaking Shurugwi, which previously held the top position. This development has prompted the National Aids Council (NAC) to call for intensified community awareness campaigns, led by traditional leaders.
Shurugwi now ranks second, followed by Mberengwa, while Kwekwe and Gweru continue to bear the highest overall HIV and Aids burden. Gokwe South ranks third in cumulative cases across the province.
These findings were revealed during a chiefs’ HIV and Aids sensitisation workshop held over the weekend in Kwekwe. The event was organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in collaboration with NAC.
NAC Midlands Provincial Manager, Mr Mambeu Shumba, noted that while national progress has been made in reducing new infections, mining communities remain a significant concern.
“In terms of new HIV and Aids infections, Zvishavane mining town has overtaken Shurugwi, with Mberengwa rural district now in third place,” he said.
Mr Shumba highlighted that the prevalence rate had declined from 13 percent in 2019 to 11 percent in 2023, thanks to robust interventions. However, he stressed that more work is needed, particularly in high-risk areas.
He also pointed out that despite notable successes in combating HIV, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now emerging as a major challenge. Research indicates that one in every four HIV-positive individuals also suffers from an NCD.
Traditional leaders expressed concern over rising behavioural risks among young people. Chief Njelele of Gokwe attributed the erosion of traditional values to urban influence and material enticement from mining communities.
“Our children are being pampered with gifts by people from towns and mines, and this has led to uncontrolled and reckless behaviour. It’s a challenge to maintain our cultural norms under such pressure,” he said.
Chief Ngungumane of Mberengwa said the workshop provided valuable insight into the expanding responsibilities of traditional leaders in areas such as health, governance, and security.
“Traditional leaders have long supported the health sector through the construction and maintenance of clinics and hospitals. Equipping us with up-to-date information enhances our ability to contribute to ending HIV and Aids by 2030,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts.
“Traditional leaders must work closely with NAC, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and other stakeholders to raise awareness on both HIV and non-communicable diseases,” he said.
Chief Ngungumane urged fellow leaders to address social issues fuelling the spread of HIV, including drug abuse, early sexual activity, and child marriages.
He noted that the Midlands Province had made notable progress toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets—reducing new infections, increasing access to antiretroviral therapy, and ensuring viral suppression.
“The extended family system has broken down due to migration, so it’s vital for parents and guardians to be more engaged in their children’s lives,” said Chief Ngungumane.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare.
“President Mnangagwa is seized with transforming health service delivery, which is one of the fundamental pillars propelling socio-economic development as we head towards the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030.
“As you are all aware, the Second Republic managed to contain the once-deadly HIV and Aids epidemic, with the Midlands Province making significant strides in achieving the United Nations AIDS treatment targets of 95 percent reduction in new HIV infections, access to ARV therapy, and viral suppression by 2030,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the meeting underscored the role of traditional leaders as custodians of culture and heritage, as well as development practitioners.
“Furthermore, this indaba’s comprehensive HIV and Aids programming approach encompasses issues of non-communicable diseases, drug and substance abuse, disaster preparedness, learner safeguarding, and gender-based violence —resonating with the Second Republic’s National Health Strategy,” he said.
