Source: NAC board tours Harare to assess HIV, GBV programmes – herald
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Herald Correspondent
The National AIDS Council (NAC) board has embarked on a two-day tour of Harare Province to assess the effectiveness of community – based programmes aimed at curbing HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and drug and substance abuse.
NAC board chairperson, Mrs Nester Mukwehwa, is leading the tour, accompanied by board member and operations committee head, Mrs Tendai Westerhof.
On Wednesday, the delegation visited Mabvuku – Tafara, where several initiatives are being implemented to address rising cases of drug abuse and the spread of STIs and HIV, particularly among young people.
In the area, NAC is working closely with cultural groups linked to the Zvinyau traditional practices to promote safer cultural expressions that minimise the risk of HIV transmission.
The team also engaged members of the Kasiya Maliro 01 Club, who shared experiences on how community – driven programmes are positively influencing behaviour change among youths.
A significant number of young girls and boys are reportedly responding well to the initiatives. Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, Mrs Mukwehwa expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded.
“We are seeing very beautiful initiatives on the ground which are helping to alleviate the impact of HIV and AIDS in communities,” she said.
She noted that some cultural groups associated with the Nyau dance were now embracing safer practices, including the use of protective clothing provided by NAC.
“There were demonstrations showing that people can uphold their culture in a healthy way. Communities were also taught the correct use of protective clothing, as well as male and female condoms, which was very impactful,” she said.
The NAC delegation also visited Mawambo Trust, where they observed programmes targeting adolescents aged between 10 and 20.
The initiatives focus on empowering young people with knowledge on gender-based violence (GBV), HIV prevention and life skills.
“We are witnessing programmes that emphasise that ‘no means no’, targeting both girls and boys. These are being rolled out into schools so that we move beyond small community groups and reach more learners across the country,” said Mrs Mukwehwa. She added that such programmes equip young people, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, with skills to make informed decisions and protect themselves.
Mrs Mukwehwa said the initiatives mirror successful models such as the “Not in My Village” programme in Mashonaland Central.
She called for increased collaboration between NAC and communities to strengthen the fight against HIV.
“I want to encourage more collaboration so that we continue spreading the message that ‘no means no’ as we work towards achieving zero new HIV infections by 2030,” she said.
The NAC team also toured Epworth to assess various interventions being implemented by the council and its partners.
The tour is expected to continue today in areas including Ushewokunze and Chitungwiza.
COMMENTS