Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, is grappling with a severe HIV crisis, as recent reports from the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) reveal that a staggering 90% of women tested for HIV in June were found to be positive. This troubling statistic underscores a critical public health emergency in the Matabeleland region.
Out of 2,984 women who underwent HIV testing last month, 2,641 received a positive diagnosis. The National Aids Council (NAC) has expressed deep concern over this unprecedented spike in cases, particularly in Bulawayo.
Douglas Moyo, NAC’s programs officer for Bulawayo, attributes the surge to high population mobility. Many residents travel to neighboring countries, such as South Africa, for work and inadvertently bring the virus back to Bulawayo. “The high mobility of people in the provinces is causing the influx. There is a high number of people who work across the country’s border. These people leave to work and come back to visit their families,” Moyo explained to NewsDay. Additionally, the issue of spouse separation has further contributed to the spread of HIV, highlighting the need for vigilance beyond the region.
In response to the crisis, the BCC has significantly enhanced its health services. Clinics throughout Bulawayo are now providing essential support, including cervical and breast cancer screenings, family planning services, and post-exposure prophylaxis for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Furthermore, efforts have been made to ensure inclusivity by training nurses and counselors in sign language.
The BCC’s latest sexual and reproductive health agenda indicates that among the 243 women aged 16 to 24 tested in June, 195 tested positive for HIV. The situation is similarly severe among older age groups: 2,115 out of 2,172 women aged 25 to 49 tested positive, and 331 out of 569 women aged 50 and above were also found to be positive.
In addition to routine testing, the BCC has conducted six outreach programs, screening 190 women, with three testing positive for Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Camera (VIAC).
Mayor David Coltart and the council are actively monitoring and addressing gender-related issues in the face of this escalating crisis. The urgent call to action emphasizes the need for heightened public awareness, prevention strategies, and access to treatment to combat this dire situation effectively. As Bulawayo confronts this public health emergency, authorities urge the community to stay vigilant and proactive in their approach to HIV prevention and care, as the region faces one of its most challenging public health crises in recent memory.
In other news – Mia le Roux crowned Miss South Africa 2024
In a dazzling finale held at the SunBet Arena at Times Square in Pretoria on Saturday, August 10, Mia le Roux was crowned Miss South Africa 2024. The event, marked by glamour and excitement, saw the passing of the crown from the previous titleholder, Natasha Joubert, to Le Roux.
The evening was expertly hosted by the charismatic Bonang Matheba, who made a memorable impact with her fashion-forward choices, gracing the stage in five stunning outfits throughout the night. Read More
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