Over 1,300 youths infected with HIV annually in Harare

More than 1 300 youths aged between 15 and 24 are infected with HIV every year in Harare, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the epidemic on young people in a province where over 195 000 residents are living with the virus.

Harare Province has an HIV prevalence rate of 8,4 percent, with an estimated 2 644 new infections recorded annually. Nearly half of these new cases occur among young people aged between 15 and 24.

The figures were revealed by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Senator Charles Tawengwa, during a sensitisation meeting organised by the National AIDS Council (NAC) on Tuesday.

Addressing councillors, mayors, deputy mayors, as well as leaders from the church and business sectors, Senator Tawengwa called for a unified and coordinated response to HIV, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse in the province.

"These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real lives, families and communities being disrupted by these challenges," he said. "We must strengthen our commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV."

Senator Tawengwa said young people remain the most affected group, with about 1 341 new infections recorded annually among those aged 15 to 24. He urged leaders to prioritise targeted awareness campaigns and education programmes that promote safe sexual and reproductive health practices.

Despite the concerning infection rates among youths, the Minister said Harare Province has made notable progress in HIV treatment and care. He commended the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the National AIDS Council for rolling out Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV treatment administered twice a year.

He also identified stigma and discrimination as major barriers in efforts to combat HIV and drug abuse, urging councillors to take a leading role in promoting openness, acceptance and community support.

In addition, Senator Tawengwa warned of the growing threat posed by drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, and called for urgent, coordinated action to ensure prevention programmes and healthcare services reach vulnerable communities.

NAC Harare Provincial Manager, Mr Adonijah Muzondiona, said the meeting marked an important milestone in equipping councillors with knowledge on HIV and related health challenges.

"The meeting aimed to educate councillors on the role and responsibilities of NAC and its mandate. We also shared updates on the HIV epidemic, new technologies such as injectable treatments, and prevention methods including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)," he said.

Mr Muzondiona added that councillors play a critical role in disseminating accurate information at grassroots level, combating stigma and working with district AIDS committees, coordinators and health volunteers to strengthen the local response to HIV.