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Blessings Chidakwa

Herald Reporter

Several sex workers have been empowered on key expectations of services for prevention, care and treatment of HIV and AIDS as they now know what to expect from service providers.

According to the Health and Child Care Ministry, all health facilities in Zimbabwe are expected to provide a minimum package of services for prevention, care and treatment of HIV for children, adolescents and adults (including pregnant and breastfeeding women).

A non for profit organisation, Springs of Life Zimbabwe, launched the dissemination of key messages from the Operations and Service Delivery Manual 2023 (OSDM) courtesy of International AIDS Society(IAS).

A sex worker from Epworth who preferred to be named as Georgina said she was tired of being mistreated at health facilities.

“I am on ART but I used to struggle to access my medication, but now I know that I should access them at whatever cost.

“Thanks to Springs of life which brought us the OSDM, we now know what to expect at health facilities. My wish is for the awareness programme to be spread across the country,” she said.

Another sex worker Beauty, said they used to be treated unfairly.

“I want to commend Springs of Life for its awareness campaign on OSMD. We were being shortchanged on some of the services we did not know.

“Things have now changed for good and our plea is for the programme to be introduced in all areas. When I visit a health facility I know where to start from and all the procedures,” she said.

Mai Jay was also glad of being empowered on key messages on what to expect at health facilities.

“I am breastfeeding now and l now know my rights including a special consideration for people breastfeeding. I am also receiving counselling,” she said.