Young women barter away condom use in Mashonaland

A troubling combination of poverty, limited healthcare access and unequal power dynamics in relationships is undermining efforts to combat HIV and Aids in Mashonaland West Province, where female condom usage remains critically low.

The issue emerged during a recent National Aids Council (NAC) media tour of the province, with officials and community members warning that many women remain vulnerable to HIV infection because they lack both access to healthcare services and the ability to negotiate safer sexual practices.

Kadoma NAC district coordinator Delphine Sikhukulu said progress in promoting female condom use among women has remained limited.

"There is not much progress in terms of women using female condoms; it's still on the low side," she said.

Although specific figures were not immediately available, Sikhukulu noted that many young women continue to face significant challenges in asserting control over decisions affecting their sexual health.

Community members pointed to worsening economic conditions as a major factor driving risky behaviour, particularly among young women struggling to meet basic needs.

Dephine Mashinga, a young mother from the area, said financial hardship often leaves women vulnerable to exploitation by men willing to pay more for unprotected sex.

"Young women are tempted by men who offer more money for sex without condoms, and young women fall for that," she said.

"Because of this economic crisis, young women accept US$10 for a short-time sexual escapade that usually costs US$5 or less. The temptation is too high to turn down."

Health advocates warn that such economic pressures can significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission, especially in communities where access to healthcare services is already limited.

The challenges are particularly acute in the Muzvezve area, which includes the Mayflower and Brompton mining communities. Residents say the area does not have a single clinic, forcing villagers to travel to Kadoma for medical services.

For many families, the cost of transport alone presents a major barrier to accessing healthcare. A return trip to Kadoma can cost around US$10, an amount many households struggle to afford.

Expectant mother Marbel Chinyoka said she has had to travel to Kadoma for antenatal care and deliveries for all three of her children.

"We pay US$10 round-trip to go to Kadoma for a check-up for every visit," she said.

"We need a clinic here. We have been telling our MPs, unfortunately from the Haritatos clan, but nothing has materialised. US$10 for a visit to the clinic in Kadoma is too much for us, especially when money is so difficult to get."

Residents expressed frustration over what they view as repeated promises by political leaders to improve healthcare infrastructure without meaningful progress.

"The Haritatos family, who have been MPs of the area, have failed to bring a clinic to their area, but have been promising one at every election time," said Mashinga.

Efforts to obtain a response from Vangelis Haritatos were unsuccessful.

Responding to concerns about healthcare access, Health and Child Care Ministry communications director Donald Mujiri said government was aware of the need for additional facilities in underserved communities.

"The ministry is aware of the need for more health facilities, and we are currently constructing health posts across the country, in addition to more than 1,900 existing health centres," he said.

Public health experts say the situation highlights the close relationship between economic conditions, healthcare infrastructure and HIV prevention efforts. They argue that providing access to prevention tools alone is insufficient if women lack the economic security and social empowerment needed to make independent health decisions.

As Zimbabwe continues its fight against HIV and Aids, community leaders say addressing poverty, expanding rural healthcare services and strengthening women's empowerment programmes will be critical to reducing vulnerability and improving health outcomes in remote communities.

For many residents of Mashonaland West, the challenge extends beyond healthcare. It is also a question of whether essential services can be brought closer to communities where they are needed most.