HIV Pandemic Hits Bulawayo: 90% of Women Test Positive in June

Bulawayo in Crisis: 90% of Women Test Positive for HIV in June

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – The HIV pandemic has struck Bulawayo with devastating force. In June, an astonishing 90% of women tested for HIV in the city were found to be positive. This alarming statistic, reported by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC), highlights a growing crisis in the Matabeleland region.

Out of 2,984 women who underwent testing last month, 2,641 received the shocking news of a positive HIV status.

The National Aids Council (NAC) has raised concerns about the surge in HIV cases in the Matabeleland region, with Bulawayo seeing an unprecedented rise.

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High Mobility Blamed

Douglas Moyo, NAC Bulawayo’s programmes officer, attributes this shocking spike to the high mobility of the population.

Many people from Matabeleland travel to neighbouring countries like South Africa for work and bring the virus back with them when they return. Moyo explained to NewsDay,

“The high mobility of people in the provinces is causing the influx. There is a high number of people who work across the country’s border. These people leave to work and come back to visit their families.”

He also pointed out that spouse separation plays a significant role in the spread of HIV, cautioning those outside the region not to be complacent.

Council’s Response

In response to this crisis, the BCC has ramped up its services. Clinics across the city are offering crucial support, including cervical and breast cancer screenings, family planning services, and post-exposure prophylaxis for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

Nurses and counsellors have also been trained in sign language to ensure inclusivity.

The BCC’s latest agenda on sexual and reproductive health revealed that in June, 243 women aged 16 to 24 were tested for HIV.

Of these, 195 were positive. Among women aged 25 to 49, 2,115 out of 2,172 tested positive. The older age group, 50 and above, saw 331 out of 569 women testing positive.

The council has also conducted six outreach programmes, screening 190 women, with three testing positive for VIAC (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Camera).

The gender structure within the council, led by Mayor David Coltart, is also actively monitoring and evaluating gender-related issues.

The situation remains dire, with authorities urging the public to remain vigilant and proactive in their approach to HIV prevention and treatment.d Women Infected”

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