HIV remains a hidden threat in mining communities

Deep in the gold-rich soils of Shurugwi, the sound of picks and shovels fills the hills as artisanal miners chase the promise of wealth. But behind the shimmer of gold lies a persistent public health challenge - HIV.

Shurugwi North legislator Joseph Mpasi says mining, while a lifeline for many families, has contributed to the district's high HIV prevalence. "Shurugwi is a mining community and, naturally, the prevalence of HIV is high. I urge artisanal miners to seek health services where possible, get tested for HIV and STIs, and use protection during sexual activities," Mpasi said. He added that government efforts include mobile outreach programmes and the construction of new health facilities to reach remote areas.

For 28-year-old artisanal miner Tawanda*, the struggle is personal. "We move from one site to another looking for gold. Sometimes we don't even know where we'll be next week. Going to the clinic is not always possible," he said. "But I know it's important to get tested and be safe."

Women working around the mines face even greater risks. Rudo*, a 32-year-old sex worker in Shurugwi town, says negotiating condom use with clients is often difficult. "Some men refuse to use protection, especially when they've been drinking. I try to insist, but sometimes it's not easy. Survival matters, but so does health," she said.

Patience Muza, Shurugwi's District AIDS Coordinator, highlighted the challenges in reaching these mobile populations. "We are taking services to the people, right where they are. Mobile clinics and peer-led activities are critical for miners and sex workers. The challenge remains their mobility, which affects adherence to ART and continuity of care," she explained.

Despite these interventions, Shurugwi remains among the top three districts in the Midlands province with the highest HIV prevalence. Recent outreach programmes in Boterekwa saw miners queueing for testing and attending discussions on prevention, with peer educators reporting a slow decline in stigma. "At first, miners didn't want to be seen near HIV tents. Now, they're opening up and even encouraging colleagues to test together," one educator said.

For miners like Tawanda and women like Rudo, access to health services offers hope. "We want to continue working, but we also want to live healthy lives," Tawanda said, dusting off his hands after a long day underground.  

*Not real name