HIV cases spike during tobacco season

Hurungwe, Zimbabwe's largest tobacco-producing district, is witnessing economic growth and industrial potential, as Karoi Town Council plans to allocate land for stakeholders in tobacco value addition. The district contributes about 33 percent of the nation's tobacco yield, reflecting the dedication of local farmers.

However, alongside economic gains, the district faces significant public health challenges. A 2023 National Aids Council (NAC) report shows that Hurungwe has the highest number of people living with HIV in the province, with over 29,000 affected. The peak tobacco sales season attracts seasonal workers, increasing the presence of sex work and risky behaviours, particularly among young men.

NAC's Hurungwe District AIDS and Action Coordinator, Ms Tafadzwa Rusike, highlighted that the influx of female sex workers during the busy season is a key driver of HIV transmission. Other contributing factors include artisanal mining and the district's location along the Harare-Chirundu trunk route.

To combat the epidemic, grassroots initiatives such as Sista2Sista and the Behaviour Change Community Motivators Model (BCCM) have been introduced. Mentors like Ms Enia Chakamanga, Mr Tinos Chimutashu, and Mr Tendai Mundondwa work with youths, providing education on sexual and reproductive health, promoting condom use, HIV testing, and encouraging constructive activities like soccer sessions to reduce engagement in drugs and risky sexual behaviour.

Ms Chakamanga has helped over 700 girls aged 13 to 24 navigate the challenges posed during peak tobacco season, while Mr Mundondwa's programs in Tengwe have successfully steered youths away from drugs and premature sex, leading to a noticeable decrease in sexually transmitted infections.

The province has achieved 100 percent service delivery at health centres, with NAC provincial manager Mr David Nyamurera reporting a decline in HIV incidence from 1.32 per 1,000 in 2018 to 0.71 per 1,000 in 2023. Despite these improvements, Hurungwe remains among the higher-risk districts in Mashonaland West, along with Mhondoro, Chegutu, Makonde, and Zvimba, while Kariba recorded the lowest incidence.

Through the combined efforts of community mentors, health initiatives, and sustained public awareness campaigns, Hurungwe is striving to balance economic growth from tobacco farming with the urgent need to protect public health and reduce HIV transmission.