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Zvishavane emerges as Midlands HIV hotspot
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Zvishavane district has emerged as the new epicentre of HIV in the Midlands Province, recording the highest number of new infections and the highest HIV prevalence rate, according to recent statistics released by the National Aids Council (NAC) during a media sensitisation workshop held in Redcliff.
Previously, Shurugwi had been the province's HIV hotspot, but the latest data shows that Zvishavane now leads with a prevalence rate of 16.37%, surpassing Shurugwi, which now stands at 14.64%. Other districts follow with Mberengwa at 13.4%, Chirumanzu at 12.88%, Gweru at 11.31%, Kwekwe at 10.99%, Gokwe South at 9.19%, and Gokwe North with the lowest at 5.81%.
In terms of HIV incidence - which tracks new infections over a specific period - Zvishavane also tops the list at 0.31%, followed by Shurugwi at 0.28% and Mberengwa at 0.26%. Chirumanzu recorded an incidence rate of 0.23%, Gweru 0.21%, Kwekwe 0.20%, Gokwe South 0.17%, and Gokwe North 0.12%.
NAC Midlands Provincial Manager Mambeu Shumba attributed Zvishavane's rise as an HIV hotspot to its role as a transit and mining hub. "The area serves as a corridor for people travelling to South Africa and Botswana, many of whom are drawn to Zvishavane and Shurugwi due to mineral resources," said Shumba. He explained that mining activities attract diverse groups including long-distance drivers, sex workers, and informal traders, many of whom engage in high-risk sexual behaviour that contributes to the spread of the virus.
Despite these concerning trends, there have been positive developments in the province. Brian Musayerenge, the Midlands HIV focal person in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, revealed that new HIV infections declined between 2022 and 2023. Among adults, new infections dropped by 4%, while child infections declined by 11%. The 10–19-year age group saw a 1.5% reduction, and the 15–24-year cohort experienced a 2% decrease.
In 2024, HIV testing efforts ramped up significantly across the province. Musayerenge reported that 242,114 people were tested against a target of 199,611. Out of those tested, 8,301 were positive, with 8,177 cases verified, and 7,743 individuals successfully initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Health experts stress the importance of understanding HIV prevalence, which indicates the total number of people living with the virus, and HIV incidence, which tracks new infections over time. These indicators are essential for measuring the effectiveness of HIV prevention programmes, evaluating the impact of interventions, and ensuring the strategic allocation of resources.
As the province confronts the challenge posed by Zvishavane's rising numbers, authorities are expected to intensify targeted prevention and education campaigns, particularly in high-risk communities connected to mining and cross-border trade.
Previously, Shurugwi had been the province's HIV hotspot, but the latest data shows that Zvishavane now leads with a prevalence rate of 16.37%, surpassing Shurugwi, which now stands at 14.64%. Other districts follow with Mberengwa at 13.4%, Chirumanzu at 12.88%, Gweru at 11.31%, Kwekwe at 10.99%, Gokwe South at 9.19%, and Gokwe North with the lowest at 5.81%.
In terms of HIV incidence - which tracks new infections over a specific period - Zvishavane also tops the list at 0.31%, followed by Shurugwi at 0.28% and Mberengwa at 0.26%. Chirumanzu recorded an incidence rate of 0.23%, Gweru 0.21%, Kwekwe 0.20%, Gokwe South 0.17%, and Gokwe North 0.12%.
NAC Midlands Provincial Manager Mambeu Shumba attributed Zvishavane's rise as an HIV hotspot to its role as a transit and mining hub. "The area serves as a corridor for people travelling to South Africa and Botswana, many of whom are drawn to Zvishavane and Shurugwi due to mineral resources," said Shumba. He explained that mining activities attract diverse groups including long-distance drivers, sex workers, and informal traders, many of whom engage in high-risk sexual behaviour that contributes to the spread of the virus.
In 2024, HIV testing efforts ramped up significantly across the province. Musayerenge reported that 242,114 people were tested against a target of 199,611. Out of those tested, 8,301 were positive, with 8,177 cases verified, and 7,743 individuals successfully initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Health experts stress the importance of understanding HIV prevalence, which indicates the total number of people living with the virus, and HIV incidence, which tracks new infections over time. These indicators are essential for measuring the effectiveness of HIV prevention programmes, evaluating the impact of interventions, and ensuring the strategic allocation of resources.
As the province confronts the challenge posed by Zvishavane's rising numbers, authorities are expected to intensify targeted prevention and education campaigns, particularly in high-risk communities connected to mining and cross-border trade.
Source - NewsDay
