HIV/AIDS Zimbabwe

New data shows that Zimbabwe’s HIV rate continues to drop, giving it one of the most significant and rapid declines of any country in the world. The overall HIV prevalence among antenatal clinic attendees (pregnant women) decreased from 25.7 per cent in 2002 to 21.3 per cent (2004) and now to 17.7 per cent in 2006. Based on this, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and international experts today published the new estimate of the HIV sero-prevalence rate among Zimbabwe’s adult population to be 15.6 per cent. (Unicef, 2007).
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the worst affected region in the world.

However, in Zimbabwe, data from national sentinel surveillance, and national and local community-based surveys show a declining trend in HIV prevalence. National adult HIV prevalence is estimated at 20.1% [13.3%–27.6%], down from 22.1% [14.6%–30.4%] in 2003. HIV prevalence among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics fell from 32% in 2000 to (a still-very-high) 24% in 2004, while in Harare it declined from 35% in 1999 to 21% in 2004 (Mahomva et al., 2006; Hargrove et al., 2005; Mugurungi et al., 2005). In the eastern province of Manicaland, HIV prevalence in young women (15–24 years) in the general population fell by half—from 16% in 1998 to 8% in 2003 (Gregson et al., 2006). The same study showed more women and men were delaying their sexual debut and were avoiding casual sex liaisons. Nationally, there appears to have been a substantial increase in condom use since the early
1990s. Such behavioural change is likely associated with a combination of AIDS awareness, relatively extensive health infrastructure and a growing fear of AIDS mortality. However, a significant part of the decline in HIV prevalence is attributable to high mortality rates. With 1.7 million [1.1 million–2.2 million] people living with HIV, Zimbabwe needs to sustain the declining trend in HIV prevalence and dramatically improve the provision of antiretroviral treatment if it is to gradually bring its epidemic under control. An estimated 320 000 people needed antiretroviral treatment in 2005, yet about 23 000 were receiving antiretroviral drugs.
(WHO/UNAIDS, 2006)
(2006, REPORT ON THE GLOBAL AIDS EPIDEMIC)

Prevention

Traditional means of communication, such as drama, folklore, songs, dances, utilizing local markets, fairs and festivals, as well as mass communication such as television, radio, newspapers and magazines are all very effective in disseminating information and promoting new ways of looking at gender roles and responsibilities. They can be an entertaining way of using drama, dialogue and debate to highlight the most pertinent issues and provide various perspectives on how they might be addressed. Printed materials, such as fotonovelas and comic magazines are popular with young people and adults with a minimal literacy level. While being entertaining, they can be an effective forum for reproductive health information dissemination, providing real life examples of issues such as sexuality that people might otherwise feel uncomfortable discussing.
Other helpful approaches include: using personal stories to illustrate why the issue of gender is important and how others have developed more equitable and healthy relationships; ensuring that where appropriate there are facts to substantiate the messages; and utilizing quotes and statements from people that are well known and respected.

Young people have special needs in all circumstances; and each age group within this population has different problems and requirements. Young people are tremendously flexible, resourceful and energetic. They can help each other through peer counselling and peer education, and they can provide care to others and assist health providers as volunteers.

It has been proven that sex education leads to safe behaviour and does not encourage earlier or increased sexual activity. Therefore, young people should be informed about STD/HIV/AIDS and early pregnancy, and appropriate advice and supplies should be made available to them. Young people need to develop certain skills to be able to make informed, responsible decisions about their sexual behaviour. They need to be able to resist pressure, be assertive, negotiate, and resolve conflicts. They also need to know about contraceptives, such as condoms, and feel confident enough to use them. Peer counselling and peer education can be very effective in strengthening these skills and attitudes.
Young people are particularly known for having special words and a language of their own.

Gracy Santos Heijblom