Matobo records a drop in HIV prevalence, but . . . 

Source: Matobo records a drop in HIV prevalence, but . . . – herald

Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

THE National Aids Council (NAC) says it has recorded a decline in HIV prevalence from 12,2 percent in 2020 to 10,4 percent in 2024 in Matobo District, but cultural norms, youth drug abuse and migration continue to drive new infections.

The district with seven Chiefs had a total population of 95 696 people across 25 wards.

District Aids Coordinator Mr Lawrence Ncube said they had heightened awareness programmes, community and traditional leaders’ engagement programmes with the view of changing behaviour and attitudes towards HIV testing and treatment.

Some of the interventions include the Sista2Sista and Behaviour Change Community Motivation (BCCM), among others.

The Sista2Sista programme is a peer-led mentorship model that is designed to empower vulnerable adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10 to 24.

On the other hand, the BCCM involves a grassroots peer-education strategy where local Behaviour Change Facilitators are deployed to demystify HIV myths, promote testing, encourage treatment adherence, and challenge harmful cultural norms at the village and ward levels.

Mr Ncube told journalists on a provincial media tour to appreciate NAC programmes that the district’s adult population aged 15 and above living with HIV stands at 9 638, with antiretroviral therapy coverage at 93.38 percent.

“There was a noted HIV incidence decline from 2020 to 2024. This decline may suggest improvements in public health initiatives, increased access to treatment, or effective prevention strategies within the province and continued efforts will be important to maintain this downward trend,” said Mr Ncube.

He highlighted that HIV incidence among people aged 15-49 had declined to 0,18 percent, while AIDS-related deaths stood at 172 in 2024.

Mr Ncube also attributed the drop in prevalence and incidence to improved access to healthcare, expanded ART services and community health interventions.

Despite the gains, he warned that strong traditional cultural norms still limit women’s decision-making power on health and safe sex.

“Our district’s economy is driven by irrigation schemes, ARDA projects, livestock, and small-scale gold mining,” said Mr Ncube.

At the moment, strong traditional cultural norms often limit women’s decision-making power, including on health and safe sex.”

He also mentioned that rising teenage pregnancies, girl child school dropouts and child-headed families, largely linked to migration and poverty, remain major concerns.

Mr Ncube added that high mobility around transport hubs was also increasing exposure to STI and HIV transmission, while drug and substance abuse among youth is heightening vulnerability to risky sexual behaviour.

“As NAC, we are doing our best as we drift towards Vision 2030, and we will continue with sustained community engagement, targeted youth interventions and stronger involvement of traditional leaders, which are key to maintaining progress and reducing new infections in the district,” said Mr Ncube.