City of Bulawayo Refutes 90 Percent HIV Rate Claims in Viral Reports, Provides Context

The City of Bulawayo Responds to HIV Statistics Reports

The City of Bulawayo has moved swiftly to address alarming reports circulating in the media and on social platforms, which claimed that 90% of women aged 16 to 50 who were tested for HIV in June 2024 were found positive. The reports also mentioned a 71.7% positivity rate among women, causing widespread concern.

In a statement released by the Acting Town Clerk, Dr E. Mzingwane, the City of Bulawayo clarified that these figures were taken out of context and misrepresented. “The articles sensationalised the data, leading to unnecessary panic,” said Dr Mzingwane.

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Understanding the Data

The misleading figures were drawn from a specific health programme: the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Camera (VIAC) initiative. This programme primarily targets women who are already confirmed as HIV-positive and are undergoing screening for cervical cancer. “Women living with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to those without HIV,” explained Dr Mzingwane, citing World Health Organisation data.

The VIAC programme, which focuses on women aged 30 to 50, aims to detect cervical cancer early. It involves inspecting the cervix for potential cancerous changes and, if detected, treating them before they develop into cancer. The programme is an essential part of the city’s health services but should not be mistaken as a general representation of HIV positivity rates in the broader population.

Call for Accurate Reporting

Dr Mzingwane emphasized the importance of responsible journalism, particularly in health-related matters. “The media plays a key role in disseminating health information, and there is a need to ensure that accurate reports are issued as they affect the knowledge and health beliefs of the public,” he said.

Nationally, the HIV prevalence rate for the 15-49 age group stands at 10.49%, with Bulawayo slightly higher at 11.75%. These figures, Dr Mzingwane noted, are far removed from the distorted statistics recently published.

The City of Bulawayo urges the public to rely on verified sources for health information and encourages media outlets to exercise caution when reporting on sensitive issues that can impact public perception and behaviour.

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