In 2023 alone, approximately 15,000 new HIV infections were reported, with over 9,000 cases among women, highlighting the urgent need to enhance services for women and girls, who are the most affected.
According to Chronicle, this information was disclosed by the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, during the World AIDS Day celebrations in Rusape, Manicaland Province, yesterday.
“Although the overall number of new infections has decreased, women remain disproportionately affected by the pandemic,” Dr. Mombeshora stated. “Of the 15,400 new infections recorded last year, women accounted for 9,200 cases. Among adolescents, women represented 1,500 of the 1,700 new infections.”
Dr. Mombeshora attributed this to gender inequalities and socio-economic vulnerabilities that increase women’s exposure to HIV.
In addition to the existing high-impact HIV prevention measures, he mentioned that the Ministry, in collaboration with the National AIDS Council, donors, and partners, is implementing key targeted interventions.
These include the distribution and promotion of female condoms, as well as the DREAMS and Sista 2 Sista programs, and various gender-transformative initiatives. These interventions aim to keep young girls in school longer and eliminate child pregnancies and marriages in accordance with Zimbabwean laws.
When addressing these vulnerabilities, he emphasized the importance of including men, as their involvement is crucial not only for their own health but also in supporting women and children. Various male engagement programs, including the brotha2brotha model, have been expanded.
National AIDS Council (NAC) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bernard Madzima urged communities to remember their role in preventing new infections.
