Zimpapers Logo

Victor Maphosa Mash East Correspondent
Vibrant and innovative interventions such as self-testing and index testing are needed to reach out to youths in order to cover the gaps and shortcomings in HIV prevention programmes, Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs David Musabayana has said.

In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Muchemwa Magwis, a director in his office, at the belated World Aids Day commemorations held at Tapfuma Primary School in Marondera yesterday, Minister Musabayana said research has proved that new HIV infections are prevalent among the youth.

“New HIV infections have been noted to be higher among young people, among them small-scale miners, adolescent girls, and young women in particular also bear the brunt of the pandemic due to cultural and social power dynamics that expose them to HIV more than men,” he said.

It is possible, he said, to record fewer new infections if everyone knows his or her status and act responsibly.

“Our nation has recorded more than one million people living with HIV who are receiving anti-retroviral therapy this year.

“With more than 80 percent of HIV positive people on treatment, we celebrate because fewer new infections may be recorded if those on treatment adhere and have their viral load suppressed as treatment serves a dual role of treatment and prevention,” he said.

According to Minister Musabayana, although a lot needs to be done to eliminate AIDS by 2030, Zimbabwe has made commendable progress in preventing new infections.

“The rapid progress we have recorded can only be sustained if we invest substantial resources and efforts in HIV prevention.

“Our bias should aim at closing the tap of new infections in line with our treatment.

“To effectively close the tap of new infections, we need HIV prevention strategies that respond to specific geographical locations and population sub-groups in which HIV infections are higher,” he said.

He called upon the Ministry of Health and Child Care to reach out to all pregnant women, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas and provide them with relevant services in line with the Option B Plus approach and Start Free, Stay Free and AIDS Free Framework.

He also assured those living with HIV that Government will always prioritise the allocation of foreign currency for the strategic interventions and procurement of ARV drugs.