Prosecuting HIV Under a Repealed Law Will Take Zimbabwe 20 Years Back Into the Dark Ages
By Michael Gwarisa In May 2022, Zimbabwe took a bold and progressive step by repealing Section 79 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which criminalised the deliberate transmission of HIV. This repeal was not merely a legislative change, it was a milestone in Zimbabwe’s HIV response, signaling a shift toward science, public health,
Read MoreZimbabwe Ranks Second Globally for HIV-Related Stigma, UNAIDS Report Finds
By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe has the second highest proportion of people who experienced HIV-related stigma while seeking HIV or other health services in the past year, according to the latest UNAIDS report. Drawing from the People Living with HIV Stigma Index 2.0 (2020–2024), the UNAIDS Global AIDS Update 2025 shows that Iran tops the list
Read MoreMedia Must Lead the Charge in Ending HIV Stigma, Says Health Minister
By Michael Gwarisa As Zimbabwe grapples with persistently high levels of stigma against people living with HIV (PLHIV), the media has been called upon to champion responsible, inclusive, and stigma-free reporting to support national HIV response efforts. Despite international targets urging countries to reduce HIV-related stigma to below 5% by 2025, Zimbabwe’s HIV Stigma Index
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School Re-entry Program For Pregnant Girls Fails To Attract Takers
With Zimbabwe passing the Education Amendment Act of 2020 which allowed re-entry of pregnant girls and adolescent mothers to school, a June 2023 report dubbed National Assessment on Adolescent Pregnancies in Zimbabwe found that the provision fell on deaf ears as more than 95 percent of pregnant adolescents are not going to school. By Kuda
Read MoreWorkplace Stigma Against TB Survivors On The Rise In Zimbabwe
Documented cases of discrimination against TB patients and survivors in the workplace environment, have been increasing over the years been reported in most settings in Zimbabwe with some employers going to the extent of dismissing survivors under unclear circumstances. By Kudakwashe Pembere recently in Kwekwe This was revealed during the presentation of the Community Rights
Read MoreSurviving TB As A Young Person. Tracing Dr Tanaka Mukuhwa’s Journey With TB
Tanaka Mukuhwa (19) from Mutare is a Tuberculosis Survivor and a young person living openly with HIV. He was diagnosed with Meningitis Tuberculosis (TB) at the age of 13 when he was still in school and stayed in hospital for six months. By Michael Gwarisa His story illustrates the profound consequences tuberculosis can have on
Read MoreNaming & Shaming Quarantine Escapees Fuel COVID-19 Stigma
IN as much as disclosure of names and details of quarantine escapees is good for managing and controlling the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19, the practice fuels stigma and discrimination for escapees and COVID-19 affected and infected individuals, the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH)Â has warned. By Michael Gwarisa In a statement, CWGH Executive Director,
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HIV Testing Beams Longevity To People Living With HIV: Rev Kapachawo
THE old adage which says “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’, aptly sums up the journey through which renowned HIV activist and clergyman, Reverend Maxwell Kapachawo walked in his quest to conquer the ravenous HIV/AIDS claiming millions of lives annually. By Kudakwashe Pembere Most of you still remember the famed
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Sex Workers Conference Expose Health Workers Unprofessionalism
NEGATIVE attitudes coupled with high level stigma by nursing and other health staff at various health centers is to blame for the high Anti Retro-viral Treatment (ART) default rate among sex workers in various parts of the country, sex worker organisations have said. By Michael Gwarisa recently in Gweru These revelations were made by sex
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