Source: NAC intensifies hotspot-based HIV interventions in Mashonaland Central – herald
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke recently in BINDURA
THE National Aids Council (NAC) has intensified hotspot-based HIV interventions in Mashonaland Central Province, targeting high-risk districts as part of a broader strategy to curb new infections and sustain progress toward ending Aids by 2030.
NAC provincial manager for Mashonaland Central, Mr Edgar Muzulu, said the province was now using data-driven approaches to direct resources and programmes to areas with the greatest burden.
“We are now targeting our interventions based on evidence, identifying where the need is greatest. This allows us to focus resources on hotspots and respond more effectively to the epidemic,” he said.
Mashonaland Central has an estimated 103 263 people living with HIV. Of these, about 97 000 are adults, while 5 618 are children, accounting for roughly 5,4 percent of the total population living with HIV. The province currently has a prevalence rate of 8,5 percent, with Bindura recording the highest rate, followed by Guruve and Mazowe.
Against this background, NAC has prioritised hotspot districts such as Bindura and Guruve, where increased mining activity and population movement have heightened the risk of transmission.
“These areas attract artisanal miners, traders and other mobile populations. Such environments tend to increase vulnerability and create conditions where risky behaviours are more common,” he said.
To respond, NAC is implementing a combination prevention strategy in the hotspot communities, including condom distribution, HIV testing services, voluntary medical male circumcision, and expanded access to antiretroviral therapy (ART).
A key pillar of the intervention is a strong focus on young people, particularly those most at risk.
“In terms of our interventions, we focus on the population groups most affected, especially adolescent girls and young men aged 10 to 24. Our programmes are deliberately tailored to meet the needs of this age group so that prevention efforts are more relevant and effective,” said Mr Muzulu.
Central to this approach is the use of community-based models driven by trained peer cadres.
“We work with community-trained cadres who are selected from within the communities themselves. These are peers of similar age and background who are trained to lead prevention activities and drive behaviour change at the community level,” he said.
Mr Muzulu said the province’s HIV response was also shaped by a clear understanding of the key drivers of infection, many of which were linked to socio-economic conditions.
He added that gender inequality and cultural practices continue to increase vulnerability, especially in border districts such as Rushinga and Muzarabani.
“In some communities, traditional norms and economic hardship place young women at greater risk. This often leads to situations where they are exposed to abuse, early marriages and teenage pregnancies,” he said.
In addition to prevention, NAC is strengthening treatment, care and support through community ART refill groups, family-based support systems, and differentiated service delivery models tailored to individual needs.
Mr Muzulu said the shift to targeted, hotspot-based programming marks a critical step in ensuring no community is left behind.
“We cannot use a blanket approach anymore. We must go where the infections are and respond accordingly,” he said.
He emphasised that focusing on high-burden areas while addressing structural drivers of HIV was key to reducing new infections and improving health outcomes across the province.
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