Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
Dr Wilfred Dube 
Victor Maphosa, Mashonaland East Bureau
The National AIDS Council (NAC) has enlisted the support of traditional leaders in Mashonaland East Province to strengthen the fight against HIV and AIDS.
This move is part of NAC’s broader strategy to ensure no one and no place is left behind in the efforts to eradicate the pandemic.
Yesterday, chiefs from across Mashonaland East gathered in Macheke for a meeting organised by NAC to discuss strategies for combating HIV and AIDS in their communities.
The meeting focused on the critical role traditional leaders can play in addressing the social challenges that contribute to the spread of the disease.
NAC introduced the chiefs to the “Not in My Village” programme, a key initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and community-driven solutions in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Dr Wilfred Dube, NAC’s provincial manager for Mashonaland East, emphasised the importance of sensitising traditional leaders about their roles in addressing HIV and AIDS.
“We are sensitising chiefs on a new theme we are implementing called ‘Not in My Village.’
“This programme focuses on addressing the social ills prevalent in communities where we run HIV programmes. Issues such as early marriages, school dropouts among adolescents, and high rates of community births are major challenges,” Dr Dube said.
He urged the chiefs to take ownership of the fight against these social ills. Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, Chief Chikwaka, born Witness Bungu, welcomed NAC’s initiative and acknowledged the critical role traditional leaders must play in combating HIV and AIDS.
“As chiefs, we fully support NAC’s efforts to involve us in this fight.
“There is much work to be done to address the challenges we face. For instance, our youth are increasingly influenced by Western cultures, leading to a loss of discipline and respect for our traditions.
“This needs to be addressed,” Chief Chikwaka said. He also highlighted the need to balance cultural practices with human and children’s rights.
“Our children are engaging in harmful behaviours like drug abuse, but when parents try to discipline them, they face legal repercussions.
“This is a serious issue that requires attention,” he added.
Launched as a pilot programme in Mashonaland Central province last year, “Not in My Village” is now being rolled out to other provinces, including Mashonaland East.
The programme targets districts heavily affected by HIV and AIDS, as well as related social issues such as gender-based violence, early marriages, and substance abuse.
As the “Not in My Village” programme expands, it is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing the prevalence of HIV and AIDS while tackling the social ills that perpetuate the crisis.
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