HIV – Page 2 – NEWSSPACE

“Inspire Inclusion: Combating HIV, Advancing Rights”

**Jane Kalweo – UNAIDS Country Director, Zimbabwe**

BY JANE KALWEO

The world is significantly off course in meeting the gender targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the current pace, it will take an estimated 300 years to eradicate child marriage, 140 years to achieve equal representation of women in positions of power and leadership in the workplace, and 47 years to attain equal representation in national parliaments.

As of December 2023, women’s representation in Zimbabwe’s Parliament stood at 34%, falling short of global targets on gender parity in legislative bodies. However, evidence has shown that when women lead, they contribute to more just, equitable, and inclusive societies. Women encounter numerous challenges when running for public office. Addressing legal and policy environments and other barriers that limit women’s political participation is crucial to leveling the playing field. To foster more just and equitable societies, we need to advance the agenda of proportional representation for men and women in parliament. Given that women face a disproportionate burden of HIV, women leadership would significantly contribute to legal and policy reforms that address gaps and barriers in the HIV continuum of care for women and children.

The global debt crisis and pandemics are reducing investment in education, health, and social protection, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Unequal access to education has left 122 million girls out of school, denying them lifesaving information on how to protect themselves from HIV. The unprecedented disruption to education during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated inequalities in access to education for girls. School closures and economic hardships increased the risk of child marriages as families sought to alleviate financial burdens. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 1174 cases of child marriages were recorded, and 4959 girls became pregnant.

The SDG of ending AIDS by 2030 is also at risk. Every week in 2022, 4000 adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 became infected with HIV globally, largely due to inequalities in accessing HIV services. When girls’ rights to education and empowerment are realized, their vulnerability to HIV is reduced. In Zimbabwe, HIV incidence among adolescent girls and young women is more than three times higher than among their male counterparts. Many factors increase the vulnerability of girls and young women, including harmful gender norms such as gender-based violence, gender inequalities that exclude them from economic opportunities, and poverty. The Zimbabwean government, through the Zimbabwe National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (ZNASP) IV Addendum, has committed to reducing inequalities to less than 10% of women and girls experiencing gender-based inequalities and gender-based violence in efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Despite many challenges, women in Zimbabwe have been at the forefront of driving change and leading in the HIV response since the beginning of the pandemic. However, funding shortages, capacity gaps, and regulatory environments limit their ability to effectively contribute to the agenda of ending AIDS by 2030. There is a need for sustained investment in independent, autonomous feminist movements. Progress can only be sustained by putting power in the hands of those whose lives are most impacted by the denial of rights.

The health of young women and girls today is too often shaped by gender-based inequalities and gender-based violence, which increases the risk of HIV infection. One in three women worldwide experience sexual or gender-based violence. Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations affecting women in Zimbabwe. The ZDHS 2015 estimates that one in three women aged between 15 and 49 has experienced physical violence, and one in four women have experienced sexual violence. Addressing gender inequality and gender-based violence is critical to ending AIDS and accelerating progress towards achieving the SDGs.

UNAIDS Commends the Government of Zimbabwe for showing its commitment to ending gender-based violence through the 2023-2030 National Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence. The strategy highlights priority areas for the country and outlines specific actions and strategies for the government and society in their efforts to prevent and respond to GBV in general, and violence against women and girls in particular.

Prevalence rates for child marriages in Zimbabwe remain unacceptably high. An estimated 34% of girls are married before reaching 18 years, and 5% before the age of 15. Ending child marriages and their devastating consequences on the health, development, and well-being of adolescent girls and young women is critical for the advancement of their human rights. The Zimbabwean government has committed to ending child marriages through the Marriages Act and has gazetted the Criminal Laws Amendment (Protection of Children and Young Persons) Bill, 2024. These instruments criminalize the marriage and facilitation of marriage of anyone under the age of 18.

To protect women and girls’ economic and social rights, there is a need to fully invest in women to achieve the 2030 SDGs. This investment is not just about financial resources; it’s about creating an environment where women and girls can thrive, free from violence and discrimination, and where they can realize their full potential.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, UNAIDS reiterates the need to empower women, combat HIV, advance rights, and position women at the center of HIV response, Human rights, and empowerment.

To protect everyone’s health, protect everyone’s rights

BY JANE KALWEO

This Friday 1 March, is Zero Discrimination Day, established 10 years ago by UNAIDS to protect the rights of everyone and build healthier societies. The evidence is clear: only by protecting everyone’s rights, can we protect everyone’s health.

There is much to celebrate.

Zimbabwe is one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa which has reached and surpassed the 95–95–95 targets. The country has reached 95 percent for the number of HIV-positive people knowing their status, 98 percent of HIV-positive people on ART and has reached the target of 95 percent of people taking ARV’s virally suppressed. The number of new HIV infections has also decreased by 78 percent from 78 000 in 2010 to 17 000 in 2022. These results have been achieved through the Government’s commitment to follow the evidence in the implementation of a combination of behavioral, biomedical, and structural prevention interventions targeted at diverse groups based on their needs, as prioritized in national strategic plans.

Although there has been remarkable progress in Zimbabwe towards reaching the global targets, inequalities continue to pose barriers to accessing lifesaving services for marginalized groups such as Key Populations, Adolescent Girls, and Young Women (AGYW) and People Living with HIV (PLHIV). The 2022 People Living with HIV Stigma Index 2.0 for Zimbabwe indicated an increase in stigma and discrimination against PLHIV from 65% in 2014 to 69.7% in 2022. The country, through its Zimbabwe National HIV AIDS Strategic Plan 2021 -2025 (ZNASP 2021- 2025) has identified addressing stigma and discrimination by strengthening community-led reporting mechanisms and developing comprehensive programmes to reduce stigma and discrimination, as a critical enablers towards attaining the goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

When marginalized communities are criminalized or stigmatized, their vulnerability to HIV infection increases, and their access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services is obstructed. Laws which criminalize HIV transmission have proven to be ineffective, discriminatory and undermine efforts to reduce new HIV infections UNAIDS is advocating for legal reform aimed at decriminalization in areas such as: HIV exposure, non-disclosure, and transmission; key populations’ sexual relations; and drug possession and use. This ensures access to services and is a crucial step in ending AIDS as a global public health threat.

Every week in 2022, 4000 adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 became infected with HIV globally, in large part because their rights are not respected. When girls’ rights to education and empowerment are realized, then their vulnerability to HIV is greatly reduced. In Zimbabwe HIV incidence among adolescent girls and young women is more than three times higher than among their male counterparts. The HIV incidence among young women who are 15 -24 years was 0.25 which is 3.6 times higher than their male counterparts 0.07, in Zimbabwe deeply entrenched gender inequalities and discrimination, often combined with significant levels of poverty, increase their risk of HIV infection, among Adolescent Girls and Young Women. It is vital to advance safe societies so that young women can protect their health and wellbeing.

Countries that are beating the AIDS epidemic are doing so by repealing laws and policies that discriminate, by expanding human rights for all and by allowing marginalized communities to lead the response. Progress towards eliminating AIDS as a public health threat has been strengthened by ensuring that legal and policy frameworks do not undermine human rights, but instead enable and protect them. It is commendable that in 2022, Parliament of Zimbabwe repealed section 79 of the Criminal Law Code, which criminalized HIV transmission. The rights path strengthens entire societies, making them better equipped to deal with the challenges we face today and those that are emerging.

Public health is undermined when laws, policies, practices, or norms enshrine punishment, discrimination, or stigma for people because they are women, migrants, key populations, (includes sex workers, and people who use drugs). Discrimination obstructs HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care, and holds back progress towards the end of AIDS.

We have hope, however, from communities on the frontlines. As Dr. Martin Luther King noted, “Social progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of people.” It is the communities most affected by discrimination that are leading the pushback against the erosion of their right to health, against the right to life. They are uniting their efforts to protect and advance human rights. They need, and deserve, all our support.

Protecting everyone’s rights is not a favor to any group but is the way that we can protect everyone’s health, end AIDS and create happier societies for all.

Contact

By Jane KALWEO – UNAIDS Country Director, Zimbabwe| tel. +2634338836-41

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

To protect everyone’s health, protect everyone’s rights

BY JANE KALWEO

There is much to celebrate.

Protecting everyone’s rights is not a favor to any group but is the way that we can protect everyone’s health, end AIDS and create happier societies for all.

Contact

By Jane KALWEO – UNAIDS Country Director, Zimbabwe| tel. +2634338836-41

UNAIDS

SADC Helpline Project; a ray of hope for adolescents and young people

**Tatenda Songore, Youth Advocates Executive Director**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

A SADC helpline project which is being implemented in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi has reached over 22 000 adolescents and young people to access integrated HIV services.

The projected which was piloted in three districts in the three countries, Zvishavane (Zimbabwe), Francistown (Botswana) and Zomba (Malawi) has been famed for improving the wellbeing of youths.

Tatenda Songore, Executive Director of Youth Advocates who are spearheading the project also revealed that they have gone beyond issues to do with HIV prevention or treatment, to include other social support services.

“All of the 22 000 youths have been actually tested for HIV and we have managed to get at least 4 percent of them who were diagnosed HIV positive and they were put on treatment.

“We are very excited also on the fact that 94 percent of young people who were diagnosed HIV positive are on treatment, actually the figure is 96 percent, which means we have surpassed the 95 percent target for the UNAIDS.

“So these are the key achievements and we are looking at scaling up this project.

“The impact of this project has been seen beyond HIV prevention, to address issues of drug and substance, gender based violence to also helping young people to return back to school after they were out of school because of different problems.

“We know that when young people are out of school, they are more vulnerable to risky behaviour and HIV so we have been able to return young people using 393 helpline within the three countries,” said Songore.

Both Malawi and Zimbabwe use 393 toll free helplines while for Botswana it’s 16658, which youths can access and get help on various issues affecting them.

When the youths call the toll free lines, they are helped through ongoing counselling services, information dissemination and referral to services and follow-up on the uptake of such services.

Songore further revealed that those youths who were having challenges with drug and substance abuse, were given mental health support.

“Some of the most interesting achievements of this project also look at how we were also able to look beyond the fact that when young people are on drug and substance abuse, they are more vulnerable to GBV.

“They are more vulnerable to risky behaviour and we have been able to support about 7 000 young people who were showing symptoms of drug and substance use and we have also been able to put them on mental health support beyond the project,” he revealed.

He also revealed that since drug and substance abuse is now a pandemic in the region, they had been able to leverage on the HIV fund from SADC which has seen them addressing several issues that put young people at risk.

Further commenting on the 393 toll free youth helpline, Songore said when any young person in the country uses it, they can make a call or whatsapp or use chat box where they can be educated using written formats, video and audio formats.

He also revealed that the platform has registered tremendous success because over 90 percent of users complete their courses unlike the traditional way of communicating with young people.

“They (youths) are more concentrated, they are more focused, they do it at their own pace and we are able to address multiple issues from HIV.

“We are also able to address mental health, we are also able to address emerging issues like cholera and we also able to respond and educate young people on measles as well,” added Songore.

He also revealed that in Zimbabwe they had piloted the SADC Youth Help Line in Zvishavane “because of high activity of artisanal miners, issues of drug and substance abuse, issues of young people who were dropping out of school and going to do artisanal mining.

“Child marriages are also very rampant, so we explored Zvishavane to try and explore those issues using mobile technology and we have been very effective because in Zvishavane alone, we reached 8 600 young people in a period of two years and in a rural community, this is very much a significant figure.”

Speaking at the same function, Jeremia Manyika, UNAIDS Zimbabwe: Adviser: Equality and Rights for all; said it was commendable to see young people showing leadership, adding that it was resonating well with the last year’s International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) theme, “let communities lead”.

“We are really emphasizing the theme of let communities lead, we are very delighted that we see the communities actually leading and when we say communities we are actually talking about the actual people that are affected and infected by HIV.

“And in this case we talking about young people and they are there in their numbers leading the project and we are very elated and happy about that development,” he said.

He added that it was good that partners had collaborated to make this a success for the benefit of young people.

“Again to reiterate our theme let communities lead, the UNAIDS Global AIDS strategy provides guidance to countries towards ending AIDS by 2030 and we are talking about what we call the 30-60-80 and these are targets that are really important if we are to meet them we will be able to end AIDS by 2030.

“We are saying 30 percent of HIV treatment services should be led by communities and when we say communities of young people it is young people who should be leading the services.

“Then 60 percent of programmes to address barriers to HIV care and support should also be led by communities and when we talk of communities, communities of young people should be leading the programmes to end stigma, to end discrimination to address barriers to HIV care and support and 80 percentage of programmes for women, young people and key populations must be led and coordinated by women, young people and the key populations themselves for us to be able to end AIDS within those communities let communities lead.

“So the 30-60-80 targets are a reality when we witness communities taking leadership and ownership of programmes as we see in this intervention, the call line 393.

“Am happy to note that the intervention has contributed significantly to achieving the 95-95-95 targets by increasing uptake of…HIV testing services by young people.

“As we move towards sustainability approaches to the HIV epidemic, we are excited to see communities lead and we are excited to see communities lead initiatives that demonstrate effective engagement of young people in their diversity to ensure that no-one and no place is left behind.

“It is noteworthy that the youth helpline goes beyond HIV prevention and treatment to address broader issues of social protection, mental health, gender based violence substance abuse among other challenges being faced by young people,” added Manyika.

Freeman Dube, Research and Documentation Coordinator at National Aids Council (NAC) said they had endorsed the project which had not only improved the lives of young people but also adults.

“We should celebrate those achievements and we as NAC have even said what is good as the way forward, is we integrate the work of the call centre within existing programmes.

“And by the way the capacity of the line is not only for Zvishavane District although it was the focus of the SADC project, the capacity is national, so our districts as NAC is to integrate promotional activities for the call centre to be utilized across the country,” said Dube.

Thando Madondo, who is one of the beneficiaries of the Youth Advocates project said he was supported in his passion for music, recording three songs.

He also revealed that the empowerment by Youth Advocates had been a good escape for him as some of his peers in his community have fallen to drugs.

“On the issue of drug and substance abuse, I know for a fact that they will ruin one’s life, you won’t make any progress.

“If I look at the community where I live, many youths have fallen to drugs, you will see young people smoking weed, but because of the guidance I get here at Youth Advocates, I just made a I vow that I won’t partake in drug and substance abuse, it destroys my life, so I rather just empower my life.

“I recorded three songs under Youth Advocates, namely, Youth Advocate, which showcases the brand of the organisation as a whole, then there is another one called Zvinodhaka, I sang it after some youths died during the Covid-19 pandemic. Those who died were under the wrong influence, like I remember some would say if they take whiskey, they would not contract covid, but this was wrong. Then I also did a song called Child marriage which really touched on this growing scourge in the country,” added Madondo whose stage name is Firemaster.

Guests from Malawi, Botswana, government ministries, students among others, attended the event which was held at Youth Advocates head office in Chitungwiza.

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Remove import duty and VAT on condoms-PSH

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Population Solutions for Health (PSH) has called on the government to remove import duty and value added tax (VAT) on condoms so as to ensure they are affordable.

The call by PSH which is the distributor of Protector Plus condoms, was made as the organisation joined the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and the global community in commemorating International Condom Day which was held on Tuesday, February 13.

In a press release, PSH revealed that the day serves as a reminder of the critical role condoms play in preventing HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.

“As we observe this day, we want to emphasize the shortage of domestic funding for condom procurement and call for the removal of import duty and VAT for condoms.

“This will make condoms more affordable in the market and secure the future availability of condoms without donor funding,” read the press release.

It was further revealed that “while Zimbabwe has achieved considerable success in condom programming, more work needs to be done to address the challenges that threaten to reverse the gains.

“The condom program heavily relies on donor support which has reduced over the years, negatively impacting funding for public and social marketing sector condoms, which serve the marginalised communities and low-income earners.

“The shortage of domestic funding for condom procurement and related programming further worsens the situation.

“The commercial sector’s condom supply has been decreasing over the past two decades, partly due to higher taxes (VAT and Import Duty) on condoms, which make commercial condoms expensive and unviable.”

It was also reported that PSH is actively supporting Ministry of Health in developing a sustainable condom market that promotes long-term condom use with reduced reliance on donor funding.

The press release further read that as the International Condom Day is commemorated, PSH remains committed to advancing condom programming and expanding access to quality sexual and reproductive health services and products.

“By addressing challenges in the market, significant progress can be made in preventing HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancies,” added the press release.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says “external condoms are the most common and sheaths or coverings that fit over a man’s erect penis before penetration. Internal condoms are also available and sheaths or linings that fit loosely inside the vagina before penetration.”

And WHO further states that “condoms continue to be an essential and effective tool in the prevention packages for HIV, other STIs and unplanned pregnancy.

“Condom use has been a significant tool to decrease transmission of HIV globally.”

Spare a thought for women who use drugs

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

There is need to spare a thought for women who use drugs in Africa as they are disproportionately affected by several issues of society which leaves them more vulnerable, Tania Marumbwa, activist for the Community of People who Use Drugs in Zimbabwe has said.

Marumbwa revealed this during the recently International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) at the launch of the Harare Declaration by and for African Women who Use Drugs.

She said the obtaining situation was that African women who use drugs in Sub-Saharan Africa continue to experience inequality, violence, stigma, high exposure to HIV and discrimination from all sections of the society.

“Even where laws that protect them exist, the level of implementation is yet to reach the

desired level to adequately protect women who use drugs.

“It is therefore crucial that all relevant

stakeholders, governments, civil society organisations, and inter-governmental organizations come together in a coordinated fashion to increase the protection of the rights of these women.

“Women who use drugs in Africa have less social, psychological and economic support and are

more likely to have experienced traumatic events, such as sexual and physical assault and abuse

as children and/or adults and to be currently exposed to intimate partner violence.

“The experience of trauma can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health problems and can also increase the risk of substance use,” said Marumbwa.

She added that women who use drugs are affected in several facets of life including having difficulties to find jobs, which they need so as to live better lives. Marumbwa further revealed that as a result of finding it difficult to get jobs, economic burdens are heavier for them.

“Vulnerability experienced by women who use drugs pushes them to susceptibility to HIV.

“Women who use drugs are likely to share their injecting paraphernalia with more people than

their male counterparts, trade sex for drugs and have difficulties in negotiating condom use

with sexual partners.

“Generally, women who trade sex are more likely to experience violence and many have limited power to engage in safe sex or safe injecting practices, placing them at an increased risk of infections.

“Women who use drugs face significant barriers to accessing both HIV and harm reduction services,” said Marumbwa.

Marumbwa however said not all hope is lost, as they made a clarion call to African governments and all stakeholders for women who use drugs to be protected.

Some of the recommendations include; “for women who have experienced or continue to experience intimate/ gender-based violence; trauma informed treatment are recommended.

“There is also a need to ensure high level collaboration between the health system, community systems and justice sector to address all sorts of violence against women who use drugs.

“Sexual Reproductive Health Rights services for women who use drugs should address their wide spectrum of needs. They include cervical cancer and sexually transmitted illness (STI) screening and treatment and contraception to avoid unwanted

pregnancy.

“Services for pregnant women should include gynecological/obstetric care and

medically assisted treatment (MAT) treatment in case of opioid dependence.

“Support for parenting, including skills development/mentoring is needed and address childcare provision concerns.

“Support women who use drugs in accessing harm reduction services in a manner that is stigma free and a way in which services are available and accessible to them.

“Efforts are required to counter stigma and discrimination faced by these women. A range of interventions should be made available including MAT, NSP, counseling among others.

“The growing number of incarcerated women who use drugs face unique challenges that prisons and jails aren’t equipped to address.

“This means that “incarceration should not ever be an option for women who use drugs unless for other reasons”.

“Incarceration also has devastating effects on the families of incarcerated women who use drugs as it leaves lasting negative impacts on their children, and causes financial instability for their families as in most cases they are the sole breadwinners,” she added.

Marumbwa added that there was need to deliver services to women who use drugs in environments that are gender responsive, welcoming, non-judgemental, supporting and physically and emotionally safe.

“Spaces that are inclusive and safe for trans women and sex workers are needed. Services should be holistic and comprehensive, promoting healthy connections to children, family members, significant others and the community.

“Ensure the participation of women who use drugs in policy and programme development.

“This will promote gender-responsive policies and programmes by introducing and expanding

services and policies that meet the needs of women who use drugs.

“The leadership of women who use drugs should be deliberately sought in PWUID led structures and in other structures created to meet the needs of PWUIDs.

“Deliberate attempts should be made to assist in empowering women who use drugs both

socially and economically.

“Women who use drugs led CSOs should be funded to create interventions that will adequately address the needs of women who use drugs.”

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SRHR Community Awards held

**Some of the individuals and representatives of organisations who were awarded**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Communities are doing a lot of work in terms of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and they need to be appreciated for the major role they are playing, Health Fonds Trust, National Coordinator, Tatenda Cole Chigwada, has said.
Chigwada revealed this at the first edition of the SRHR Community Awards which were held in the capital last week.
Health Fonds Trust in partnership with Sex Workers Empowered Advocating for their Rights (SWEAR) with support from Aids and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA) and Aids Fonds held the awards ceremony.
The awards were meant to recognise individuals and organisations who have made an impact on work around Sexual Reproductive Health And Rights HIV related issues for key populations and young people living and affected by HIV.
“We noticed that communities are doing a lot of work in terms of SRHR so we thought we need to show our appreciation for the work being done.
“This is meant to celebrate them and to boost their morale and to give them credit for the wonderful work.
“This is the beginning,” said Chigwada in his opening remarks at the awards.
The awards were graced by officials from National AIDS Council, CeSHHAR Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe AIDS Network.

The Award Categories were as follows :

Advocate of the Year Award – Leeroy Gumpo from Bulawayo.
Innovation in HIV Prevention Award – Ceshhar Zimbabwe.
Outstanding Community outreach awards – Gumisayi Bonzo.
Youth Leadeship in SRHR Award – Tatenda Chigwada.
Excellence in Research and Education Award – Youth Gate Zimbabwe Trust.
Stigma Reduction Champion Award – Chipiwa Mugabe.
Health Care Provider of the Year Award – Mavis Makurira From Populations Solutions For Health.
Adherence Champion Award – Chipiwa Mugabe from Masvingo.
Prep Champion Award – Primrose Kavhumbura.
Most Promising Upcoming Organisation award – Swear Zimbabwe.
U=U Champion – Learnmore Chikwewo.
Ally of the Community Award – Takudzwa R Zingwanda.
District Aids Coordinator of the Year Award – Getrude Gatsi from National Aids Council
Community Inclusion Champion of the Year Award – Blessed Nodza.
Leadership in Service Award – Ambassador Onward Gibson from My Age Zimbabwe, Masvingo.
Innovator in Community Service Award – Thapelo Wilson from Mash Central.
Women Empowerment leadership award – Mary Audry Chard.

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Work towards ending AIDS goes beyond ICASA

**Disability Youth Advocate**
**Takavinya Yolanda Munyengwa**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The work to end AIDS by 2030 goes beyond international conferences as there is more work to be done which needs total dedication of everyone concerned, Disability Youth Advocate, Takavinya Yolanda Munyengwa has revealed.

Munyengwa was speaking at the recent International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) which was held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.

The theme for ICASA 2023 was “AIDS IS NOT OVER: Address inequalities, accelerate inclusion and innovation.”

“Let us be reminded that our work extends beyond these conference walls.

“It extends to clinics, health facilities, community spaces and countries across the globe.

“We must engage policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and civil society organizations in our pursuit to end AIDS by 2030.

“By uniting our voices and resources, we can drive meaningful change and create an inclusive environment that supports, diversity of young women and girls, people with disabilities, women, key populations and all those affected by this devastating disease.

“As we gather here today, let us renew our commitment to the cause. Let us revolutionize prevention strategies, enhance access to treatment, and eliminate the stigma and discrimination and criminalization associated with HIV/AIDS,” she said.

Munyengwa further revealed that all inequalities had to be addressed because time is running out as she also reiterated that the journey towards ending AIDS by 2030 required working together being resilient.

“Let us address inequalities, knowing that time is of the essence and let us accelerate inclusion and innovation recognizing that our ability to adapt and overcome will redefine our success in the face of future challenges.

“Together, we have the power to transform lives, communities, and nations.

“Let us leave this conference not only inspired but equipped with the tools, knowledge, and renewed determination to create a world free from stigma, discrimination, criminalization because this is how we will END AIDS by 2023.”

She added, “by accelerating progress, we can ensure that the goals we have set are achieved swiftly and effectively.

“We must move forward with a sense of urgency, leaving no one behind, and providing access to life-saving treatments and prevention methods to all those in need.

“Building resilience is equally important as we face a rapidly changing landscape in the field of HIV/AIDS. We must anticipate and adapt to the evolving challenges that arise. Our resilience lies in our ability to learn from past experiences, embrace new technologies, and empower communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

“By building resilience, we can withstand any obstacles that come our way and guarantee the sustainability of our efforts for generations to come.”

Munyengwa further revealed that ICASA 2023 serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and introspection, hence delegates had to seize the opportunity to share insights, foster partnerships, and strengthen our resolve to fight against HIV/AIDS.

“Together, we can amplify our impact and ensure that progress is not hindered by any barriers, whether they are social, economic, or cultural.

“The theme for this conference resonates deeply with the current situation for PLHIV.

“It highlights the urgent need to not only make progress in combating HIV/AIDS but also emphasizes the importance of addressing inequalities and accelerate the inclusion of people left behind such as key populations, young people and children to close the gap and end AIDS by 2023.

“We find ourselves at a crucial juncture where our collective efforts are the key to shaping a brighter future,” she added.

Zim ready to host ICASA

**Health and Child Care Minister**
**Dr Douglas Mombeshora**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

All systems are in place for the country to host the 22nd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa at the Harare International Conference Centre, Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora has said.

Minister Mombeshora revealed that all was being arranged to make sure that the conference which will be held from the 4th to the 9th of December, lives up to its billing.

“All our systems from security, banking, accommodation, transportation, health and others have been checked and tested and I want to assure our visitors that Zimbabwe is ready.

“The security of delegates is guaranteed both in Harare and elsewhere as they go out about attending the conference and enjoy our rich heritage across the world acclaimed tourist destinations.

“We have also strengthened the health delivery and surveillance systems to ensure that our visitors and locals have access to needed health services,” said Dr Mombeshora.

He also allayed cholera fears, saying the isolated cases were being dealt with adequately, as he further praised the country’s surveillance system saying it is exceptionally effective and has picked all cases which have all since been treated.

Dr Mombeshora also revealed that it was an honour that the country will be hosting two high level meetings as a precursor to ICASA.

“We are very excited as government about the two high level meetings which we are going to host on the 2nd of December in Victoria Falls as part of the build up towards ICASA.

“We will have a meeting of African First Ladies to be hosted by our First Lady Her Excellency Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.

“This meeting will focus on addressing prevention of mother to child transmission and elimination of newborn infections in Africa.

“On the same day, we will also host the African Ministers of Finance who will attend a meeting focusing on addressing domestic financing of the HIV response to reach the UN 2025 Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.

“As you are aware, Zimbabwe has already been praised globally for the home grown domestic funding initiative in the form of the National AIDS Trust Fund popularly known AIDS Levy.

“We are therefore very proud to be hosting this meeting to share our best practice while learning from the rest of the continent on other initiatives that all together can increase Africa’s domestic financing of HIV and other epidemics without totally relying on external funds.

“These two meetings will come just a day after Zimbabwe will have commemorated the World AIDS Day which we will have in Victoria Falls at Chinotimba Stadium.

“ICASA delegates who will already be in the country and are able to finance their trips to Victoria Falls are invited to attend the World AIDS Day commemorations which are going to be held under the theme, “Let Communities Lead,” he added.

He further reiterated all transport logistics and accommodation had been arranged to ensure that the conference goes on without any challenges.

The conference will be running under the theme “AIDS is not over: address inequalities, accelerate inclusion and innovation.”

Let’s not be complacent in HIV and AIDS fight-Dr Pari

**Dr Parirenyatwa (left) and Dr Madzima during Monday’s curtain raiser press conference on ICASA**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The fight against HIV and AIDS is not yet over as there are still new infections emerging, while Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain a major health issue, a health official has said.

Doctor David Parirenyatwa, president of the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) official organisers of International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) revealed this on Monday during the curtain-raiser press conference of the 22nd ICASA.

The 22nd ICASA will be held in Harare from 4-9 December.

Dr Parirenyatwa also revealed that ICASA will be preceded by two highly level meetings on the 2nd of December, one will be looking at the elimination of mother to child transmission and will be spearheaded by the First Ladies within the Africa Region.

And also on the same day, there will be another meeting of Ministers of Finance to discuss issues of how finances can be raised to enable the fight against HIV, TB, Malaria and other infectious diseases.

“Just to say Zimbabwe is fully ready to receive the possible 8 000 participants who would be coming to attend this meeting here in Harare.

“And we are very clear in our minds that the fight against HIV and AIDS must continue because as our theme says, “AIDS is not yet over” , so we need to continue to fight HIV and AIDS.

“There has been apparent complacency in the fight against HIV, people are now saying well I think we have done enough for HIV but I want to remind ourselves that there are still infections that are happening especially among the youths on HIV and AIDS.

“Therefore we must continue to look at the key areas where we must fight HIV and AIDS,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.

He also revealed that the invite (to attend ICASA) is for many other participants especially those that are contributing towards the fight against HIV and AIDS in their institutions.

Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora who is also the ICASA 2023 vice president, in a presentation made on his behalf by his Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze, said all was in place for the country to host the conference.

He further revealed that the programme is ready and all government systems and structures from security, banking, accommodation, transportation, health and others have been mobilised to provide the necessary support and services, before and during the conference.

“All delegates are assured that Zimbabwe remains a peaceful destination and their security will be assured.

“Our providers of accommodation services are all ready and capable to meet the various requirements of the visitors.

“Our health systems and services have also been mobilised to ensure that both visitors and locals have access to the needed services during the conference,” said Dr Mombeshora.

Turning onto the issue of Cholera which is a current issue in some parts of the country, Dr Mombeshora said, “I wish to assure you all and our visitors that the isolated outbreak is being contained and our surveillance system is exceptionally effective and has picked all cases and have been treated.”

National AIDS Council Chief Executive Officer Dr Bernard Madzima, who is also the head of the 22nd ICASA local secretariat, also reiterated that the country was prepared in terms of transportation, both ground and air and accommodation to receive the visitors.

“We have made sure that we have an efficient transport system both on the ground and in air; we have a steady inflow of airlines which are adequate to cover for our visitors and we have also mobilised ground transport services at an agreed standard fare.

“As such all designated vehicles for pick ups and drop off points will be marked.

“We have put solid packages (accommodation) for all delegates; they are advised to log onto the ICASA website,” he said.

Dr Madzima further said visitors were also encouraged to experience the prowess of Africa and its unending cultural and entertainment appeal.

He said Zimbabwe had profound and magnificent tourist destinations which include the Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe itself, the Manna Pools and various parks, some which are close to Harare, which they could also visit.

“We want to encourage our delegates to take time before and after the conference to visit these places and experience Zimbabwe’s real cultural and natural wonders,” he said.

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