Chimanimani emerges as new HIV hotspot

Chimanimani has emerged among the top three districts in Manicaland Province with the highest number of new HIV infections — joining Mutare and Makoni — according to the National AIDS Council (NAC).

The development comes as the province intensifies efforts to curb new infections through targeted awareness and prevention campaigns.

NAC Manicaland Provincial Manager, Mr. Artwell Shiridzinomwa, confirmed the trend, noting that Chimanimani — previously not among the high-burden areas — has now become one of the province's emerging hotspots.

"Chimanimani was previously not among the districts with high HIV infection rates, but it has recently emerged as one of the top three in Manicaland, alongside Mutare and Makoni,"
said Mr. Shiridzinomwa.

He said the council is currently investigating the factors behind the increase, with early indications pointing to social and economic dynamics such as migration, artisanal mining, and limited access to health services.

"We are analysing data to determine the causes of this rise. However, factors such as family separation, economic migration, and artisanal mining may be playing a role," he explained.

Mr. Shiridzinomwa noted that many men from Chimanimani migrate to South Africa for work, leaving their spouses behind for long periods — a situation that can contribute to risky sexual behaviour.

"Young men often go to South Africa, spending extended periods there while their wives remain behind. Cross-border movement between Chimanimani and Mozambique could also be contributing to the spread," he said.

The district's timber and tea estates, where workers live in isolated communities, have also been identified as vulnerable zones with limited access to HIV services. NAC has since launched wellness programmes in these areas to bring services closer to workers.

"We are targeting these plantations with wellness programmes to ensure HIV services are available on-site. Community volunteers run initiatives within the estates and farms, providing testing, prevention, and counselling services," said Mr. Shiridzinomwa.

He added that high infection rates in Makoni and Mutare are also linked to the nature of their economic activities, which attract large populations and promote mobility.

"Makoni is largely a farming district, and during the tobacco marketing season, there is significant movement and interaction, increasing the risk of HIV transmission," he said.
"In Mutare, the Beira Corridor brings in long-distance truck drivers who spend extended periods away from home, creating high-risk zones along the highway."

To address the rising numbers, NAC has intensified prevention and outreach programmes in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and other stakeholders.

"We cannot stop people from having sex, but we can encourage them to do so safely," said Mr. Shiridzinomwa. "We are ensuring that condoms, testing kits, and other prevention commodities are easily accessible in clinics, communities, and workplaces."

NAC is also scaling up behavioural change campaigns, targeting miners, truck drivers, plantation workers, and young people — groups identified as being at higher risk of infection.

"Our focus is on raising awareness and empowering people to make safer choices. We want everyone to know their HIV status early and access treatment if necessary," he said.

Although overall HIV prevalence in Manicaland has remained relatively stable, the rise in new infections signals the need for renewed vigilance and community engagement.

"Makoni, Buhera, and Mutare remain high-burden districts, but Chimanimani's emergence as a new hotspot highlights the ongoing fight against HIV. We must continue scaling up prevention, education, and treatment efforts," said Mr. Shiridzinomwa.

He urged communities to speak openly about HIV and to support prevention initiatives.

"HIV is still with us, and silence will not help. Open discussion and preventive measures are crucial to protecting our communities and future generations," he said.