News / Local
Bulawayo records highest HIV prevalence, new infections
20 Sep 2014 at 12:22hrs | Views
BULAWAYO province has recorded the highest HIV prevalence rate as well as the highest number of new infections, according to a National Aids Council (Nac) report.
The report, that was released recently but shows 2013 figures, put Bulawayo's prevalence rate at 20,4 percent while Harare had the lowest at 12,6 percent.
Matabeleland South's rate stood at 18,6 percent, Matabeleland North at 15,5 percent and the Midlands at 13,6 percent.
Bulawayo was also estimated to have the highest number of new infections per year, recording 8,584 new cases while Matabeleland North with 2,903 new infections, recorded the lowest cases.
"722,557 females were living with HIV, a proportion of 52 percent. In all provinces the magnitude of females living with HIV was about 1,5 times that of males indicating a higher need for HIV care and support for females," read the report.
National Aids Council (Nac) communications officer Tandiwa Pfupa attributed the increase to the number of people who pass through Bulawayo in transit to other areas like South Africa, Harare, Zambia and Plumtree.
She pointed the blame at truck drivers, who are at high risk of exposure.
The Nac report said it is estimated that 1,390,211 adults and children were living with HIV in Zimbabwe.
"This number is expected to continue increasing gradually through 2016. Of the total number of people living with HIV in 2013, 170,717 were children," read the report.
The report, that was released recently but shows 2013 figures, put Bulawayo's prevalence rate at 20,4 percent while Harare had the lowest at 12,6 percent.
Matabeleland South's rate stood at 18,6 percent, Matabeleland North at 15,5 percent and the Midlands at 13,6 percent.
Bulawayo was also estimated to have the highest number of new infections per year, recording 8,584 new cases while Matabeleland North with 2,903 new infections, recorded the lowest cases.
National Aids Council (Nac) communications officer Tandiwa Pfupa attributed the increase to the number of people who pass through Bulawayo in transit to other areas like South Africa, Harare, Zambia and Plumtree.
She pointed the blame at truck drivers, who are at high risk of exposure.
The Nac report said it is estimated that 1,390,211 adults and children were living with HIV in Zimbabwe.
"This number is expected to continue increasing gradually through 2016. Of the total number of people living with HIV in 2013, 170,717 were children," read the report.
Source - chronicle
