Munyaradzi Blessing Doma

When grace locates you

…the story of Kensington Marufu

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

“I want you to believe that God exists, I want you to appreciate life from an angle of grace; that there is a certain thing called grace.”

The above were the words of 34-year-old Kensington Marufu, who was diagnosed with HIV when he was just aged 10 and the doctor who attended to his family said they only had five years to live.

Despite facing huge setbacks, including losing family members to the HIV virus, stigma, discrimination, missing out on precious school time and working at various farms to earn a living, Marufu triumphed to become a legal practitioner and author.

Marufu was one of the key speakers at a recent media workshop organised by the National AIDS Council (NAC) in Chinhoyi.

And his presentation titled, “Testimony-Positively HIV positive,” touched many attendees, including the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, who said Marufu’s testimony was “proof that living with HIV is not the end of life.”

Marufu revealed that along with his parents and brother, they tested HIV positive in the year 2000 and the doctor said they would all not live beyond five years.

“When we got tested on the 23^rd of March 2000, the doctor who attended to us estimated that we were not likely to live more than five years.

“It meant that I had about five years to live. Those days there was no medication, there were no ARVs (anti retrovirals), we were just taking cotrimoxazole and when I was in Grade 5, I knew most of those pills.

“So stereotypes unfortunately got affirmed, my brother passed on in 2003, my mother passed on in 2004 but my dad went beyond five years, actually he passed on in 2006,” revealed Marufu.

For some time, Marufu went into hiding, because of the labeling that was common during that time.

“I then realized that I was actually hiding from myself and it took me years to appreciate that there are certain things in life that we can never change and we will not go forward in life until we appreciate who we are.”

He revealed that he was called names such as “Go Slow”, and when he sat for his O-Level exams, he only managed to pass one subject, English with a B; and it meant that he had to go stay with his grandmother in Shackleton, Chinhoyi.

And there life was tough; as people were judged by how they could perform hard labour.

“So we were working in farms, not that I had the strength but I had no choice, I had friends who would assist me, those were the days when I also had a tattoo, a mohawk and I was smoking marijuana because I wanted to fit in.

“I had lost faith in life, I stopped believing in myself, I stopped believing in life, I stopped believing in a lot of things, you know losing parents who loved you and appreciated you and then growing up in an environment where you are unfairly judged really affected me, so I started taking some drugs,” narrated Marufu.

He further revealed that how the HIV messages were packaged in those days also affected him as some of the phrases in use included, “AIDS kills”, “mukondombera” and “chakatikuuya chiya”, as this brought fear.

“When I was in Shackleton, things were really tough and I did not expect to live until now, but God was with me throughout the time.

“When I’m telling my story, I want you to believe that God exists, I want you to appreciate life from an angle of grace; that there is a certain thing called grace,” he said.

Kensington also revealed that in 2010 when he was now 20 years-old; he went to his late father’s bank and he was notified that he (father) had left US$1000 in his account.

He revealed that when all due processes were done, he wanted to use the money to buy a Mazda 323; but he was warned against and was advised that going back to school was the best option.

And he went back to school and rewrote his O-Levels but that also had its own challenges because of his advanced age as the name calling started again.

“Because I was very old, I was called many names like kadhara, but one thing that my mum told me before she died was that when people laugh at you, laugh with them, they will feel embarrassed.

“So when people called me kadhara, I would correct them to say no, call me mudhara because I was actually the eldest at the school.

“Then I rewrote my O-Levels in 2011 and passed eight subjects, I had 4As, 3Bs and a C,” revealed Marufu.

While he thought he would easily get a job maybe as a cop or soldier, it was not to be; as “some of the things that hindered me had something to do with my health, my age, there were a lot of things involved.”

Despite passing his O-Levels; in 2012 he was just at home, the same with 2013 and at one time he was herding some old lady’s cattle.

“The old lady would brag that her herd boy had passed Mathematics and English.

“I didn’t have any problems with that because I had passed the two subjects and I was also a herd boy; that’s life.

“In 2014, a certain guy called Kuda approached me to say if I assist you to go for A-Level, would you take the opportunity.

“I was now 24; but then there is a verse in the Bible that says; I know the plans I have for you, so because I was desperate, I accepted.

“And I started my Form 5 at St Pauls Musami; and as always, teachers would ask for our ages and then people would know.

“You would get nicknames and being at a boarding school I would share hostels, so I had my medication but then I didn’t want people to know, but it was really difficult,” he narrated.

He went on to reveal to NAC that taking medication is one of the challenges for children living with HIV who learn at boarding schools because they get to share hostels.

Despite the challenges he faced, Marufu revealed that it didn’t affect him academically as he went on to ace, first becoming a class monitor, then Deputy Headboy, before later scoring 15 point when he sat for his A-Level exams in 2015.

Marufu then enrolled into Law School and today he is a Legal Officer at a company in the capital.

**Minister Jenfan Muswere receives the novel titled “Touched by Grace”, from author and lawyer, Kensington Marufu**

He then wrote a book titled “Touched by Grace”, which is about his life with HIV.

He said of the book; “because I understand that there is another Kensington out there, I’m not alone like what I’m saying, there is another Kensington going through similar challenges but that Kensington does not have role models.

“Because most of the people like Kensington are in hiding, they will never expose themselves, they will hide, they will succeed but in hiding. “So that Kensington is just where he is and he doesn’t know if there is anything in life.

“So I have written a book, maybe one day that Kensington will read the story of Kensington and appreciate life; that life can change, God can make things possible.

“The title of the book is called Touched by Grace; because grace touched me. I would not have achieved this without God, because the life was actually too complicated,” he added.

And Marufu took the opportunity to hand over his book to Minister Muswere, describing it as a special moment for him, considering his journey to success.

Female Genital Mutilation should end-Equality Now

**Sally Ncube, Regional Representative Southern Africa, Equality Now**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has no place in our society and girls’ interests should be protected at all costs to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.
And all governments where FGM is being practiced, should be implored to stop this act as it is a gross human rights abuse.
The call was made by Sally Ncube, Regional Representative Southern Africa for Equality Now, at the 43rd Ordinary Session of The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, in Maseru, Lesotho on Monday.
World Health Organisation (WHO) defines FGM as “procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.”
“We are alarmed by the fast-developing situation in The Gambia, where attempts are being made to repeal the legal provisions within the Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015, which prohibit and criminalize FGM; including the recent parliamentary vote which led to the Bill being referred to Parliamentary Select Committees for further review.
“We urge this Committee to proactively engage the Government of The Gambia to protect the interests of the Gambian children and ensure that it complies with its human rights obligations by maintaining the anti-FGM provisions within the Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015 in place.

“We are concerned about the recent reports of the tragic deaths of girls in Sierra Leone as a result of FGM earlier this year. As confirmed by the Ministry of Gender Adamsay Sesay, 12; Salamatu Jalloh, 13; and Kadiatu Bangura, 17, died during initiation ceremonies to the Bondo society in the country’s North West province.

“Despite this, there is no specific law prohibiting FGM in the country. Given the urgent unfolding situation in the country, we implore the Committee to call upon the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure justice in these cases; and to urgently pass a specific law prohibiting FGM accompanied by financial resources and an action plan to facilitate preventive measures and prosecution of perpetrators in line with articles 1 and 21 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child,” said Ncube.
Turning to child marriages, Ncube revealed that the scourge continues to be on the rise with the deepening effects of climate change especially in Southern Africa where the current extreme drought situation is significantly putting girls at increased risk of child marriage and sexual exploitation.
“The urgent need to accelerate efforts to address child marriages is highlighted by recent cases, such as the marriage of a 12year-old girl in Ghana to a 63-year-old priest in a traditional customary marriage, just last month.
“Recent claw backs to girls’ rights, such as the constitutional amendment in Somalia which seeks to set the age of maturity at 15, could also put children, particularly girls, at greater risk of child marriage.
“We call on the Committee to urge the Government of Somalia to review this provision and ensure that the Constitution explicitly prohibits marriage for children under the age of 18, without exceptions. We equally urge the Committee to intervene in the Ghana case and impress on the Government to take urgent measures to rescue the young girl and prosecute the priest for engaging in child marriage,” added Ncube.
She also revealed that her organisation recognises and appreciates the bold recommendations made by the Committee through its decision on the communication (Communication No: 0012/Com/001/2019 Decision No 002/2022) on the situation of pregnant girls in Tanzania.
She however said they still have concerns about the situation of pregnant girls’ education in Tanzania; and the lack of implementation of the Committee’s decision.
“The Education Act of Tanzania, enacted through Government Notice No. 295 under Regulation 4 (Expulsion and Exclusion of Pupils from Schools), still stands, and authorizes the permanent expulsion of pregnant and married girls from public schools.

“The recently issued re-entry guidelines by the Government of Tanzania fall short of Human rights standards as they are still discriminatory, and vague and have been irregularly enforced from one school to another due to limited dissemination and understanding by education officials.
“There are cases where school officials decide what happens with a pregnant girl’s education without necessarily following the guidelines.
“Further, the guidelines have not addressed the drivers of teenage pregnancies, school-related sexual and gender-based violence, mandatory pregnancy testing, and the expulsion of girls from school when they become pregnant.
“Neither have the guidelines provided recourse for girls expelled from school because only students who dropped out within two years are allowed re-entry. “Therefore, there is still a need to comprehensively review the education laws and policies to ensure all children attend school and are safe from schools related sexual and gender based violence,” she added.
She also revealed that the State ought to develop a comprehensive national action plan for the re-entry of girls to schools that are in line with international normative standards of being available, accessible, and acceptable to ensure all girls can continue with their education, to break the cycles of violence and poverty.
She also urged the Committee to continue impressing upon Tanzania to repeal Regulation 4 of the Education Act and further abide by the country’s Court of Appeal decision banning child marriage without any exceptions.
Ncube also revealed that Equality Now has been conducting a study on Rape Laws in Africa and it has established in various jurisdictions, legal and practice gaps in protecting children from various forms of sexual violence.
“Under international human rights law, all States are mandated to prevent all forms of violence by adopting legislation that unequivocally criminalizes all forms of violence against women and girls.
“We have noted with great concern, that various countries have a very low age of consent to sex, ranging from 11 years in Nigeria to 12 years in Equatorial Guinea.
“Children can be vulnerable due to their level of maturity and, further, can be at the mercy of adults who may take advantage of existing power dynamics and subject them to sexual conduct without them providing informed, free, and wilful consent.
“We strongly urge the Committee to urge all African States to reform their rape laws to ensure they provide the fullest protection.
“This would include being based on the principle of consent rather than the use of force, to take account of coercive and exploitative circumstances, including in the context of dependent relationships, with respect also to the potential exploitation of power dynamics concerning children, and to ensure the penalties for sexual violence are commensurate with the severity of the crime,” she added.
It was also revealed that Equality Now commends the Government of South Sudan for ratifying the Maputo Protocol in June 2023.
She said the ratification offers protection to the rights of school-going girls, who continue to experience numerous human rights violations such as forced marriage, abduction and kidnapping, defilement, and discrimination, supported by harmful customary practices, patriarchal attitudes, and impunity.
And she said they further urged the Committee to call on the government of South Sudan to do “ratify the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child; to ensure the Permanent Constitution that is currently under development clearly defines the marriageable age in line with the Children’s Charter and the Maputo Protocol.
“Prioritise the enactment of the Anti-GBV Bill and the Family Law Bill which have progressive provisions on violence, marriage, and the protection of the girl child.
“Ensure the existing legal framework such as the Penal Code is revised and fully implemented to punish those who commit crimes and are held accountable.”
Ncube also called for Signature and Ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights Relating to the Specific Aspects of the Right to a Nationality and the Eradication of Statelessness in Africa (the Nationality Protocol).
“We commend the African Union Heads of State Assembly for adopting the Nationality Protocol during its 37th Ordinary Session in February 2024.

“The Protocol entrenches protecting the right to nationality of children and women in Africa.
“We call upon the Committee to urge all Member States to sign and ratify the Nationality Protocol so that it can enter into force as soon as possible.
“Equality Now remains committed to supporting the Committee in contributing to initiatives and efforts to implement The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) and promote and protect children’s rights in Africa and beyond,” she added.
Equality Now which was founded in 1992, is an international human rights organisation that works to protect and promote the rights of all women and girls around the world.
The organisation’s campaigns are centered on four program areas: Legal Equality, End Sexual Violence, End Harmful Practices, and End Sexual Exploitation, with a cross-cutting focus on the unique needs of adolescent girls.
And the organisation combines grassroots activism with international, regional, and national legal advocacy to achieve legal and systemic change to benefit all women and girls and works to ensure that governments enact and enforce laws and policies that uphold their rights.
It is a global organisation with partners and members all around the world.

MCAZ recalls Benylin Paediatric Syrup

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has recalled Benylin Paediatric 100ml Syrup that could have been illegally imported into the country, following reports that some batches pose fatal effects to children.

The recall follows reports from National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) of Nigeria regarding the recall of Benylin Paediatric 100ml Syrup, batch number 329304, manufactured by Johnson and Johnson, South Africa.

Also, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the manufacturer further identified another batch 329303 that is affected; bringing the affected batches to two; 329303 and 329304.

The two batches are said to be causing abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, potentially leading to death.

“While the Authority confirms that this product was registered in 2023 for use in Zimbabwe, our import database does not show a record of the importation of this product and more specifically these two batches. “However, there is a concern that through illegal means, the aforementioned batches of Benylin Paediatric Syrup may find their way into the local market. As a precautionary measure, the Authority is issuing a recall notice of this product,” revealed MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata in a statement issued this Monday.

Rukwata further revealed that following the reports, the “authority will intensify its market surveillance activities through strict premises inspections and public awareness to ensure that these products are not circulated.”

He revealed that “according to NAFDAC, recent laboratory analysis has revealed unacceptably high levels of Diethylene glycol in this formulation.

“Diethylene glycol is a contaminant which is toxic for humans when consumed. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, potentially leading to death,” said Rukwata.

He however said it was unlikely that members of the public are in possession of and/or come across this product but if it so happens, he called on them to notify the authority and/or healthcare provider immediately and desist from administering them to children.

“The cooperation of all stakeholders is essential in ensuring the right of citizens to safe and good quality medicines is protected.

“The mandate of the MCAZ is to protect public health by ensuring that all medicines and medical devices on the market are safe, effective, and of good quality and will continue to monitor the situation in line with the WHO guidelines.

“The Authority also urges members of the public to access medicines from licenced persons and premises for easier monitoring. The Authority and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to eradicate any substandard and falsified health products,” he added.

Journalists play critical role in ensuring a healthy nation-Minister Muswere

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA recently in CHINHOYI

Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere has said journalists play a critical role in ensuring a healthy nation as they disseminate the much needed information to combat the spread of diseases.
Minister Muswere said the media’s role on the dissemination of information on diseases like HIV and AIDS, cholera and Covid-19 can never underestimated.
He was speaking at a media workshop organised by the National AIDS Council (NAC) in Chinhoyi last week.
The workshop was meant to update the media on the response to HIV and related conditions and also to discuss how the media can contribute towards ending AIDS by 2030.
“Journalists have a role to play in national development, journalists have a role to play in health matters and in nation building because the health of the population defines the past, defines the current circumstances, the challenges, opportunities and the resilience, the dedication and commitment of Zimbabweans.
“The health of the nation also defines the future of our country and journalists have a role to play as we journey towards an upper middle income society by the year 2030,” he said.
He added that he was advised that the country had done extremely well to reduce the HIV prevalence and NAC attributes part of that success to the role of the media in raising awareness, in educating the population of Zimbabwe, in informing the nation of Zimbabwe.
“The role of the journalists, the media in articulating critical issues whether its transmission of HIV and AIDS, or the most important aspect in terms of stigmatization and the same time the role of the media in ensuring that drug provision, in ensuring that we leave no one behind, that all the people in the four corners of our country are knowledgeable on the issues of HIV and AIDS.
“Knowledge is power and education is the key and education is being supported through a deliberate segmented approach in English and other important local languages.
“The media is in a position to articulate with ease the challenges, the behaviours that are expected, the health solutions that are available in our country for us to be able to achieve the success story in terms of the HIV prevalence in our country and Zimbabwe has managed and achieved and score significant gains as we combat epidemics and pandemics in our country.
“All successes stories are attributed to the role of the media, the role of the media teams who have worked with the members of the Fourth Estate,” added Minister Muswere.
Similar sentiments were also echoed by NAC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bernard Madzima in a speech read on his behalf by Amon Mpofu, Monitoring Evaluation Director, who said creating mutual partnerships with the media was important in telling the HIV and AIDS story.
“In convening this workshop, we are convinced that the proper flow of information on HIV and AIDS requires a mutual partnership between the media and ourselves,” he said.
He added that the partnership has led to the sharing of information, accurate and responsible reporting which in-turn contributes to the development agenda as enshrined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“Our strong belief in the role of the role of the media which already has been instrumental in improving our response.
“Workshops such as this one compliments our other efforts which include media tours, media awards and our regular dissemination of our diaries to the media,” added Dr Madzima.
NAC Board Member, Tatenda Chipungudzanye, added that journalists can contribute effectively to the national efforts to tame the HIV pandemic through their work.

Nduna promises fireworks

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Talented afro-jazz musician, Ben Moyo, has promised a memorable show which will forever remain etched on the memories of those who will attend his birthday bash next month.
Nduna, as the crooner is affectionately known by his fans, will celebrate his 32nd birthday on April 6 in the capital, at Spitzkop Leisure Center in White House.
The event which has also been dubbed “Afro Jazz Night”, will see Nduna sharing the stage with Mozambican artiste Queen Betty and other local acts, while ZT Groomer will be the master of ceremonies at this must attend gig.
“Any opportunity I get to be on stage I always deliver my best and fans will attest to this, but this will be a show with a difference.
“I shall be celebrating my 32nd birthday so what better way to do this than to celebrate with my fans.
“With my Ubuntu Classical Band we are more than ready to deliver an act that will remain etched on the memories of those who will attend,” said Nduna in an interview with NewsSpace.
Nduna who is currently riding high with his song titled “Ndiri jongwe“, also assured fans some freebies.
“Whilst it is the norm that whoever is celebrating a birthday gets presents, I actually have something some fans who have supported our music over the years.
“I shall be giving away t-shirts to the biggest supporters because they have stood by me through the years.
“We decided to have this concept so that I celebrate with our fans. And having Qeen Betty and all other supporting acts is testament that we want to give fans a good time.
“The gig is from 4pm till you drop and it’s definitely a show not to be missed,” he added.
Nduna further revealed that he will also launch the video to “Ndiri jongwe” on the night.
He added that his collaboration on stage with Queen Betty will not only end on the 6th, but will also lead to more shows.
“We are starting to do combined shows in Zimbabwe and we are going to Mozambique soon,” added Nduna.

Nduna promises fireworks

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Collective efforts needed to fight HIV stigma and discrimination

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Ending HIV related stigma is not only morally crucial but it is also vital for the public health and socio-economic development of the country, it has been revealed.

During a workshop on the Zimbabwe HIV Stigma Index Action Plan, it was also noted that stigma had to be eradicated if the country is to attain its targets in HIV management.

This is comes at a time when the country’s 2022 HIV stigma index stands at 69,7 percent, up from 2014’s figure of 65,5 percent.

According to UNAIDS, HIV stigma index is the standardized tool to gather evidence on how stigma and discrimination impacts the lives of people living with HIV.

Tatenda Makoni, Executive Director at ZNNP+ said as a country, it was worrisome that while the stigma index was supposed to be going down, it was actually on the rise.

Abisha Jonga, Senior Programmes Manager at Zim-TTECH, said as a clinical partner, they notice that stigma is a major barrier to various efforts to ensure that we attain not only the 95-95-95 targets but actually the 100-100-100 targets.

“But what is critical is that for us to reach those high targets, stigma and discrimination needs to be addressed at all costs, not only today but as of yesterday, if not last year, if not five years ago.

“The reason being, due to stigma and discrimination, people are not open enough to disclose their status which actually is a starting point towards prevention and then again because of lack of disclosure, people are not going to find it easy to adhere to their medication.

“Then they will have to hide each time they need to take their medication. We have realized that due to the issues around failure to adhere to medication, we are then having a situation where viral suppression is getting highly compromised because people are not taking their medication as expected, every day, same time, same time every day; they can’t achieve that if they experience stigma and discrimination.

“What we have also noted in our work with stigma, it varies across different sub population, where even parents are afraid of disclosing their own status to the children or the children’s status to the children themselves,” revealed Jonga.

He also emphasized that people should work together so as to ensure there is a full program to address stigma and discrimination.

It was also revealed during the workshop that another issue of concern is internalized stigma or self-stigma.

Winnet Manyadza, Clinic and Further Education Manager at CONNECT Zimbabwe Institute Systemic Therapy, said internalized stigma was also a stumbling block to all the efforts being put in the HIV fight.

“We are committed to work together so that we strengthen those strategies, so that people living with HIV will live lives which are free of internalized stigma, we would want to see people living lives free from negative thoughts of their HIV status,” said Manyadza.

Shamiso Yikoniko, Technical Advisor-Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilization at Zimbabwe Association for Church Related Hospitals, also revealed that stigma and discrimination surrounding various aspects of society including health conditions such as HIV and AIDS can hinder progress and perpetuate inequality. “It is our collective responsibility to champion a society that embraces compassion, empathy and inclusivity. To address this issue, we must first recognize that stigma and discrimination are rooted in ignorance, fear and misconceptions.

“Ending stigma and discrimination is not solely the responsibility of a selected few, it is an obligation that each one of us must embrace, let’s examine our own biases, examine attitudes and promote empathy and understanding within our circle of influence,” said Yikoniko.

Belinda Chindove, Senior Strategic Information and Evaluation Officer at Zimbabwe Health Interventions said

HIV related stigma remains a significant challenge in the country, hindering access to vital HIV prevention, treatment and care services.

She added that it is essential that we confront this issue head on and work collectively so as to create a more compassionate and informed society.

“Let us acknowledge the few key points, understanding stigma, it is not just a word, it’s a real world consequence.

“People living with HIV face many issues, denial of employment, housing and education.

“They may even experience violence; by addressing stigma, we can address the lives of those affected by HIV, let us break the silence.

“HIV related discrimination is a violation of human rights, everyone deserves respect,” she added.

Isheunesu Nhiringi, Technical Advisor Community Support at OPHID, revealed that the increase in stigma was worrisome and is not supposed to be taken lightly.

“The increase in stigma and discrimination from 65,5 percent in 2014 to 69,7 percent in 2022 is a wakeup call and testament to gaps in our current system.

“In Zimbabwe, combating HIV and AIDS is not just about medical treatment, it is about confronting a deeply engraved stigma and discrimination that exacerbates the epidemic.

“Our collective efforts to end stigma is not only morally imperative but also vital for the country’s public health and socio-economic development,” revealed Nhiringi.

He added that the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV and AIDS did not only marginalize those living with the virus but also hinder prevention and access to treatment.

“Fear of discrimination prevents individuals from getting tested, seeking treatment and disclosing their status, perpetuating the spread of the virus.

“Furthermore, stigma leads to social exclusion, loss of employment opportunities and undermines the overall wellbeing of the affected individual and the community. “Addressing stigma and discrimination requires multifaceted approaches including education, advocacy and policy change. We must challenge myths and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS through community outreaches and awareness campaigns.

“Empowering individuals with accurate information can dispel fear and encourage acceptance. Moreover, legal and policy frameworks must be strengthened to protect the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS and prevent discrimination in healthcare settings, workplaces and society at large,” added Nhiringi.

He also revealed that ensuring equal access to health care and opportunities for all regardless of HIV status, is not just a moral obligation but a strategy imperative for sustainable development.

And he added that by fostering a culture of compassion, understanding and inclusivity, an environment can be created “where individuals feel safe to seek support, access treatment and live fulfilling lives without fear of judgment or discrimination.”

Similar sentiments were also echoed by Imelda Mahaka, Executive Director at Pangea Zimbabwe who revealed that while significant strides had been made in preventing HIV infections, stigma and discrimination was threatening to derail such progress.

“We have come a long way and made sterling progress in preventing HIV infections and putting people living with HIV on optimized regiments, the biggest threat to the gains in the HIV response and to sustain epidemic control is stigma and discrimination.

“We need to appreciate the complexity in the various forms of stigma at individual and community systems levels.

“More importantly, we need to appreciate the intersectionality of stigma for example as Pangea Zimbabwe, we serve communities and individuals who experience stigma either because they are on PrEP or living with HIV but also because, the same individual is a member of the KP (key population) community experiencing gender based violence or has mental health issues or is probably using drugs,” revealed Mahaka.

ZimStat undertakes Oral Cholera Vaccine Coverage Survey

**a child gets cholera vaccine-pic by Tanaka Ziyavaya**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) will be undertaking the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) coverage survey listing of households exercise from tomorrow (the 14^th) to the 22^nd of March 2024.

The listing exercise which aims to establish a comprehensive sampling frame, from which households to be covered in OVC Coverage Survey will be selected, will be conducted in seven provinces.

According to a statement by ZimStat, the listing will be conducted in Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo and Midlands.

It is said the OCV coverage survey aims to collect data to ascertain the following among others, “cholera prevention and control, oral cholera vaccine coverage rates, knowledge and awareness levels about cholera, the utilization of sanitation facilities and safe water sources.”

The statement further read that “statistics produced from the survey are critical for policy formulation and decision making relating to the following among others; “prevention health interventions, human capital development strategies, macroeconomic planning and social programs targeting cholera prevention.”

It was also added that the survey will be conducted under provisions of the Census and Statistics Act (Chapter 10:29) and that information collected from is strictly confidential and will be issued solely for statistical purposes.

The country launched the OCV campaign on January 29, targeting cholera hotpots in the country and as at March 6, it is reported that 2 121 784 people had received the vaccine.

On Tuesday March 12, the country recorded 127 new suspected cholera cases, one suspected death and two laboratory confirmed death.

And as of March 12, the country had recorded 28 247 cumulative suspected cases, 2 779 cumulative cases, 27 532 recoveries, 71 confirmed deaths and 515 suspected deaths.

I’m back home-Zivhu

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Former Chivi South Legislator, Killer Zivhu who was fired from Zanu-PF four years ago for indiscipline has been re-admitted back into the party.
Zivhu who is known in Masvingo Province for his philanthropic works, revealed his re-admission in a video which he posted on Wednesday.
In the video, Zivhu thanked President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF Politburo for his re-admission promising that he was ready to work for the community in Chivi.
“I want to thank President Mnangagwa and the whole politburo team for re-admitting me into the revolutionary party. I also want to thank the people of Masvingo Province for standing with me, I also want to thank all the comrades in Zimbabwe in the revolutionary party in Zimbabwe who prayed for me.
“And I also want to thank all the Zimbabweans for the prayers.
“It’s now work as usual,” said Zivhu.
He also revealed that he had been re-admitted “without conditions.”
He added, “I’m ready to go and assist the community of Chivi and other communities as well and work towards the Vision 2030 that President Mnangagwa has set.
“I’m so happy and I’m so excited to join my family; I was born and bred in Zanu-PF and I’m back in the revolutionary party.”
Zivhu had been fired on accusations of pushing for dialogue between President Mnangagwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.
He was accused of breaking party protocol and was fired after he allegedly ignored several warnings.

WDN Zim launches InvestInHerCampaign

**Daphne Machiri, Campaign Coordinator**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Women’s Democracy Network (WDN) Zimbabwe has launched the InvestInHerCampaign which seeks to advocate for the increased political and socio-economic empowerment of women.

The campaign which is running for the month of March, which is known as the Women’s History Month, will seek to amplify women’s voices, action and leadership.

Daphne Machiri, Campaign Coordinator, further added that it (campaign) is also meant to celebrate women’s power, resilience, leadership and respect.

“The objective of the campaign is to, promote women’s inclusion and participation in democratic processes; commemorate women’s month by raising public awareness on International Women’s Day on the 8^th under the theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, on WDN ZW social media platforms and to create platforms for promoting women political leaders solidarity support.

“In addition, the campaign seeks to recognize women’s achievements in political leadership facets and not only politically and also their contributions towards socio-economic development.

“In promoting sustainable democracy, by promoting women political leaders, decision making positions and process claiming to take action to drive gender parity; women leaders and gender champions will be sharing their experience, success, challenges and their opinion during the #InvestinHerCampaign through their voices on various media platforms.

“Nonetheless, WDN’s willpower and contributions are to champion and advance women’s rights and inclusion, in addressing gender imbalance in Zimbabwe’s political leadership,” said Machiri.

She further revealed that WDN-ZW’s work fosters change in making sure there are equal opportunities for both men and women to participate in all levels of political decision making.

“We are working towards a gender equal world, a world free of partiality, stereotyping, discrimination, ferocity.

“A world that is inclusive, equitable and diverse. Women working towards achieving equality in leadership positions collectively and rise to stimulate inclusion in line with international women’s day theme.

“This campaign therefore provides an opportunity to increase political will, commitment and encourage political decision makers to strive to ensure adequate space is created for women and support mechanisms are strengthened to ensure public recognition and respect of women’s rights and leadership across multiple sectors in the country; be it political, economic and social.

“Furthermore, the WDN #InvestInHerCampaign also seeks to leverage voices on issues that affect women’s participation in leadership and decision making process, the campaign will be an opportunity for women led organisations from various sectors to make concerted efforts in creating more opportunities for women and strive to ensure gender equality,” added Machiri.

It was also stressed that women must have consistent representation in the political arena, and this can only happen when they have access to equal opportunities to participate in all levels of political decision making. It was also revealed that there are exceptional measures which must be put in place so as to address this imbalance, so as to ensure that women are fully involved in Zimbabwe and the world’s political leadership.

Machiri also revealed that in overcoming barriers faced by women; strengthening women’s leadership capacities and gender responsive policy making is crucial for the development and progress of any society and key to achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls).

It was also revealed that unlocking women’s power will mean ensuring an enabling environment for women to assert and enjoy their rights, facilitating women equal leadership and participation in democracy processes opportunities, access to education and healthcare, and the ability to make decisions that affect their lives.

“When women own their power, they are able to contribute significantly and sustainably to the economy, participate in politics, and advocate for their rights, “ added Machiri.