Tag: mR AMON Mpofu

Rising STI Cases Threaten to Reverse HIV Gains in Zimbabwe

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The surge in new Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) is a clear indication that Zimbabweans may be engaging in unprotected sex, a trend that could reverse the HIV gains recorded so far, top health officials have warned. Between January and June 2024, Zimbabwe recorded the highest number of new STI cases, with some infections showing resistance to available antibiotics. This was confirmed by Mr. Sinokuthemba Xaba, the National Condom and Male Circumcision Coordinator in the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), during a media training session for…

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NAC’s HIV symposium spotlights children

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere The National HIV Symposium kicked off on a high note with the focus hinged on pediatric and adolescent HIV issues bedeviling Zimbabwe. The symposium organized by the National AIDS Council was themed “Accelerating 95-95-95 HIV Targets Among Children”. Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora in a speech read on his behalf by Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals chief medical officer Dr Tsitsi Magure said the much-yearned goal to end AIDS by 2030 is an impossible feat if children’s treatment coverage lags behind. “Our national response can…

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Zim Married Couples Urged To Use Condoms

Michael Gwarisa

THE National AIDS Council (NAC) Monitoring and Evaluation Director, Mr Amon Mpfofu says the risk of HIV infection is equally high among married couples as evidenced by latest nationwide HIV estimates. By Michael Gwarisa recently In Chinhoyi Speaking to Editors and Station Mangers during a sensitization meeting that was organized by NAC in Chinhoyi, Mr Mpofu attributed the high number of new HIV infections in Matebelenad South to spousal separation as  married couples are either separated by work or migration into neighboring countries. In 2020, the highest HIV prevalence was…

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Condom Use Declines Among Zim Sex Workers As Country Misses 2020 Condom Distribution Target

Michael Gwarisa

A total 83 million male condoms and 2.9 million female condoms were distributed in the year 2020, which is a far cry from the 100 million for men and 5.5 million that had been targeted for women during the year. By Michael Gwarisa The target misses were largely attributed to service disruption due to Covid-19. The 2020 figures were the lowest compared to the previous three years. The decline in condom distribution also affected uptake and use of condoms by Female Sex Workers and other HIV high risk groups. Presenting…

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Harare Door to Door HIV Survey Launched

Michael Gwarisa

THE team conducting the 2019-2020 Zimbabwe Population HIV Based Assessment (ZIMPHIA) survey will be leading a door to door gathering and collating of HIV related data with the aim of assessing the progress as well as identifying gaps that could hinder the realisation of the 2030 goal of ending AIDS. By Michael Gwarisa The Harare launch follows the successful commencement of Phase 2 which kicked off after a short festive season sabbatical. Phase one to the survey was completed in December where a community response rate of at least 95…

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