Spousal separation fuelling HIV infections

Spousal separation has been identified as a key factor contributing to new HIV infections in Bulilima and Mangwe districts, with many men leaving for work in the diaspora, particularly in Botswana and South Africa, leaving their families behind.

During a National AIDS Council (NAC) media tour, Bulilima District AIDS Coordinator Ronald Hanyane highlighted that many men who migrate in search of "greener pastures" engage in risky sexual behaviour while away, and this is exacerbated by their partners who are often left behind and vulnerable to similar behaviours.

"Spousal separation is one of the major drivers of HIV new infections in the district," Hanyane explained. "Many men travel abroad without proper documentation, resorting to illegal border crossings, where they are often exploited and engaged in unprotected sex to secure jobs or accommodation. This cycle of risky behaviour puts both sides at greater risk of HIV transmission."

Bulilima District currently has the highest HIV prevalence rate in Matabeleland South, standing at 17.6 percent. The district's infection rates are particularly high among women, with hotspot areas including Maitengwe Border Post, Madlambudzi Growth Point, Ndolwane Growth Point, and Bhagani Business Centre. These areas are often frequented by migrants and informal traders, which further contributes to the spread of the virus.

In neighbouring Mangwe District, NAC Programmes Coordinator Elenny Mpofu revealed that the HIV prevalence rate is 16.8 percent, with the highest incidence seen in the 15–49 age group. Mpofu noted that poverty, transactional sex, intergenerational relationships, and child-headed families have worsened the HIV situation in the district.

"Many young girls are vulnerable due to poverty and end up in child marriages or teenage pregnancies," Mpofu said. "Artisanal miners and informal traders moving through the district also engage in risky sexual behaviours, further driving the spread of the virus."

The NAC has ramped up awareness campaigns targeting border communities, youths, and families affected by migration. The aim is to educate the public on HIV prevention, sexual health, and the risks of transactional and exploitative sex, especially in regions heavily impacted by migration and economic challenges.

The NAC's increased efforts also focus on encouraging the use of protective measures, such as condoms, and offering HIV testing and counseling services in border areas. The goal is to break the cycle of HIV transmission by addressing both the behaviour of migrant workers and the challenges faced by their families left behind.

As the country continues to grapple with the HIV epidemic, the need for targeted interventions, especially in high-risk areas like Bulilima and Mangwe, remains urgent. The role of migration, poverty, and spousal separation as drivers of new infections underscores the need for integrated approaches to tackling HIV, focusing not only on prevention but also on addressing the social and economic factors that fuel the epidemic.