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Chronicle Reporter
STAKEHOLDERS from Umguza District have converged for a three-day consultative workshop to formulate a five-year strategy towards reducing the prevalence of HIV and Aids in the district.
The workshop, which is co-ordinated by Matabeleland Aids Council (MAC), will see stakeholders from the district evaluating the rate of HIV and Aids infection, identifying the challenges and loopholes and end with the formulation of a five-year working plan.

Speaking to Chronicle on Tuesday, MAC programmes officer for Umguza district, Mr Fred Banda, said the workshop was aimed at coming up with measures of enhancing proper behaviour change in the district.
“We have come here to formulate a strategy on how to enhance positive behaviour in the next coming five years,” said Mr Banda. “If people change their sexual behaviour, the prevalence of HIV and Aids in the district will definitely go down. Currently the rate of HIV and Aids is pegged at 13,7 percent countrywide and at Umguza it is estimated to be at 17 percent and we need to do something to reduce that,” he said.
Mr Banda attributed the high prevalence rate in the district to low knowledge levels, low condom usage and multiple partners. He, however, said the meeting would further identify other contributory factors, adding that the target audience would then be tasked to spread the message about behaviour change.

“We have targeted this audience because they represent the views and interests of their respective areas and they are the influential figures in the community who are usually at the forefront in decision making. In that sense, the resolutions we make will be easily adopted by community members,” he said.
The workshop ends today and in the process stakeholders will discuss issues pertaining to drivers of HIV and Aids in Zimbabwe and then narrow down to local factors. They will also identify measures of reducing the prevalence rate within the next coming five years.

Several community representatives such as councillors, teachers, representatives of people living with HIV and Aids, village heads, representatives from Zinatha and religious denominations as well as Ward Aids Action Committee representatives attended the workshop.