City of Bulawayo addresses concerns over misleading HIV statistics

The City of Bulawayo has expressed serious concern regarding recent articles and social media posts that have sensationalized statistics about HIV-positive women in the city.

Headlines such as “Alarming Statistics on HIV Positive Women in Bulawayo” and “HIV Testing Reveals 71.7% Positivity Rate Among Women” have circulated in various publications, raising alarm among the public.

According to the controversial reports, it was claimed that 90% of women aged 16 to over 50 tested for HIV in Bulawayo during June 2024, with a reported positivity rate of 71.7%.

However, the City clarified that the national HIV prevalence rate for women aged 15-49 is 10.49%, while Bulawayo’s prevalence stands at 11.75%.

These figures, the City explains, have been taken out of context and misrepresented.

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The data originates from the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Camera (VIAC) Programme, which primarily targets women already confirmed as HIV positive for cervical cancer screening. This program aims to detect and prevent cervical cancer in women, as those living with HIV are six times more at risk of developing the disease compared to their HIV-negative counterparts.

The VIAC procedure involves screening the cervix for precancerous changes, with early detection allowing for timely intervention through methods such as cryotherapy or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). While the City does offer VIAC services to all women, the statistics published predominantly reflect the experiences of HIV positive women participating in these screenings.

The City of Bulawayo appeals to the media to verify health information before dissemination, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting in shaping public knowledge and health beliefs. By ensuring responsible journalism, the media can play a crucial role in fostering a well-informed community.

This public notice was issued on August 15, 2024, by Dr. E. Mzingwane, Acting Town Clerk of Bulawayo.