NAC CEO, Dr Bernard Madzima, addressing Parliamentarians at the New ParliamentBuilding
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Zimbabwe’s HIV programmes should be guided by science if we are to attain the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, National AIDS Council (NAC) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bernard Madzima has said.
Dr Madzima said that it would be most appreciated if the evidence and data gathered in local.
He said this while speaking at the Parliamentarians HIV and AIDS Sensitization Workshop organised by NAC at the New Parliament Building on Friday.
Dr Madzima was updating legislators on the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) 2023 which the country hosted, as he added that it was a great success.
Dr Madzima also said the ICASA 2023 report which is now out, spoke to several issues.
“The outcomes of ICASA 2023 spoke also to issues of leadership; that we need a strong leadership if we are going to have success in the HIV space, but also to have our programmes in Zimbabwe being led by science, being led by evidence.
“We want to ensure that we implement programmes where we have evidence and data to show us and this data will be most appreciated if its local data.
“So we want to encourage our scientists to research and also the other issue which came out was that communities should take charge of HIV programmes.
“So all this is now guiding the HIV and AIDS programme as we go towards the 2030 targets,” said Dr Madzima.
He also applauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his commitment for the country to host ICASA 2023.
“I know some of you really attended the events which took place in Victoria Falls and in Harare.
“The report for ICASA 2023 is out and I would like to say that it was a great success and I would really want to thank all Zimbabweans, starting with his Excellency, the President DR E.D. Mnangagwa for his commitment to hosting the event.
“The country showcased its excellency in various aspects including tourism and indeed it showed that Zimbabwe was open for business,” added Dr Madzima.
The ICASA 2023 report shows that 8 118 participants from 105 countries convened for the conference and women were 45 percent of that number.
Last year was the second time the country has hosted ICASA, after initially hosting it in 2015.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
NEWSSPACE 