Chimanimani District has emerged among the top three areas in Manicaland Province recording the highest number of new HIV infections, joining the ranks of traditionally high-burden districts Mutare and Makoni, according to the National AIDS Council (NAC).
The revelation comes amid intensifying efforts by provincial authorities to curb new infections through targeted awareness, prevention, and community outreach campaigns. Previously, Chimanimani had not been classified as a high-risk district, making its sudden rise in HIV cases a concerning development for health authorities.
NAC Manicaland Provincial Manager, Mr. Artwell Shiridzinomwa, confirmed the alarming trend. “Chimanimani was previously not among the districts with high HIV infection rates, but it has recently emerged as one of the top three in Manicaland, alongside Mutare and Makoni,” he said.
Authorities are now investigating the underlying causes of the spike in infections. Early indications point to a combination of social and economic factors, including migration, artisanal mining, and limited access to health services. “We are analysing data to determine the causes of this rise. However, factors such as family separation, economic migration, and artisanal mining may be playing a role,” Mr. Shiridzinomwa explained.
A significant contributor appears to be male migration to South Africa. Many men from Chimanimani leave for extended periods, often leaving their spouses behind. Such separation can encourage risky sexual behaviour, which increases the likelihood of HIV transmission. “Young men often go to South Africa, spending extended periods there while their wives remain behind. Cross-border movement between Chimanimani and Mozambique could also be contributing to the spread,” he said.
Chimanimani’s timber and tea estates, where workers often live in isolated communities, have also been flagged as vulnerable zones due to limited access to HIV services. In response, NAC has launched wellness programmes within these estates to bring testing, counselling, and prevention services closer to workers. “We are targeting these plantations with wellness programmes to ensure HIV services are available on-site. Community volunteers run initiatives within the estates and farms, providing testing, prevention, and counselling services,” Mr. Shiridzinomwa said.
Chimanimani Emerges as New HIV Hotspot in Manicaland
Similarly, high infection rates in Makoni and Mutare are linked to the nature of economic activities that attract large populations and promote mobility. Makoni, largely a farming district, experiences significant movement during the tobacco marketing season, increasing interaction and risk of HIV transmission. In Mutare, the Beira Corridor creates high-risk zones along the highway due to the extended presence of long-distance truck drivers away from their families.
In response to rising numbers, NAC has ramped up prevention and outreach programmes in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and other stakeholders. “We cannot stop people from having sex, but we can encourage them to do so safely. We are ensuring that condoms, testing kits, and other prevention commodities are easily accessible in clinics, communities, and workplaces,” said Mr. Shiridzinomwa.
Behavioural change campaigns are also being scaled up, targeting high-risk groups such as miners, truck drivers, plantation workers, and youth. The focus is on raising awareness, promoting safer sexual practices, and encouraging early HIV testing and treatment. “Our focus is on raising awareness and empowering people to make safer choices. We want everyone to know their HIV status early and access treatment if necessary,” he added.
Although overall HIV prevalence in Manicaland has remained relatively stable, the rise in new infections in Chimanimani underscores the need for continued vigilance and community engagement. Traditional high-burden districts like Makoni, Buhera, and Mutare remain priorities, but Chimanimani’s new status as a hotspot highlights that the fight against HIV is far from over.
Mr. Shiridzinomwa urged communities to openly discuss HIV and actively support prevention initiatives. “HIV is still with us, and silence will not help. Open discussion and preventive measures are crucial to protecting our communities and future generations,” he said.
NAC’s intervention in Chimanimani reflects a proactive approach to emerging challenges, combining targeted wellness programmes, educational outreach, and collaboration with local communities to curb the spread of HIV. As efforts intensify, health officials hope to stabilize the situation and prevent the district from joining the ranks of other long-standing high-burden areas.
By focusing on prevention, awareness, and access to services, Chimanimani could soon reverse the worrying trend, providing a model for other districts facing similar socio-economic and health challenges.
Source- Bulawayo
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