Hwange

PrEP pilot program aims to reduce HIV transmission in Hwange district

Published

11 months ago

September 25, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Hwange District Medical Officer Fungai Musinami recently shared insights on the current HIV prevalence in the district, response to HIV and AIDS, challenges, and strategies for improving HIV testing and treatment uptake, particularly among key populations.

Musinami highlighted the ongoing program of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) being rolled out to key populations, including sex workers and men who have sex with men.

“We are implementing an injectable PrEP program, particularly in key populations, which we believe will contribute significantly to the body of knowledge and direct future HIV/AIDS care. This is a pilot program, and we are eager to see the results, which will inform our future strategies.”

Regarding HIV prevalence, Musinami noted that Hwange district has seen a decline, but still has a higher prevalence compared to other districts due to mobile movement and tourism activities.

“We have seen a decline in HIV prevalence, and deaths from end-stage AIDS have become lower than in the 80s and 90s. However, as a border town, we have a lot of mobile movement, and tourism activities sometimes lead to people engaging in sexual activities for money, which impacts our HIV prevalence.”

Musinami emphasized the importance of HIV testing, stating, “We encourage everyone to get tested, know your status… We have several facilities where people can get tested, including New Start Center, Victoria Falls hospital, Chinotimba Clinic, and laboratories. We are also distributing self-test kits to increase awareness and encourage people to take control of their health.”

One of the biggest challenges, Musinami noted, is teenager and adolescent pregnancies, intergenerational sexual activity, and exposing young women to HIV infection. “We are seeing a lot of teenager and adolescent pregnancies, which is a challenge. Some of these young people are engaging in sexual activities, and intergenerational sexual activity is exposing young women of childbearing age who are at a higher risk of transmission. We are implementing several adolescent-centered programs to support adolescents living with HIV.”

The comprehensive HIV program in Hwange district includes HIV testing and counseling services, ARVS and ART services, voluntary male medical circumcision, and condom distribution. Musinami emphasized the importance of implementing multiple methods to reduce HIV transmission.

To reach hard-to-reach areas, the district has an outreach program that provides integrated services. Musinami concluded by encouraging everyone to get tested, know their status, and stay on treatment to achieve viral suppression.

Hwange

Silibaziso Mlotshwa to be installed as new Chief Mvuthu

Published

10 hours ago

August 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A historic installation ceremony is set to take place on Friday, as Silibaziso Mlotshwa, daughter of the late Chief Mvuthu, Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, is scheduled to take over as the new chief.

The installation comes after a prolonged dispute over the chieftaincy, which had been held up since Chief Mvuthu’s passing in 2014.

According to Paulos Ntini, the Prosecutor General at the Mvuthu’s monarchy, preparations for the ceremony are underway. “Preparations are going on well. So far, the road has been graveled to the homestead, and on Thursday, all the village heads, including myself, will be collecting gifts from the villagers for the ceremony,” he said.

The late Chief Mvuthu’s family had initially nominated his brother, Sanders Mlotshwa, as the successor in December 2014. However, Silibaziso challenged this decision in court, arguing that she was the rightful heir to the throne.

The dispute had resulted in Headman Bishop Matata Sibanda acting as the chief until now.

Chief Mvuthu was a respected traditional leader in Matabeleland North and chaired the Hwange Community Share Ownership Scheme. He was also a retiree of Hwange Colliery Company, having left his job in 2008 to take over the chieftaincy.

Hwange

Hwange Colliery Company to resume alcohol monitoring program

Published

1 day ago

August 12, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Hwange Colliery Company Limited has announced that its Alcohol Monitoring Program will officially resume on Wednesday, across all areas.

According to a memo , the program is a critical part of the company’s commitment to safety, health, and productivity. It is implemented in line with the company’s workplace policies and legal obligations.

The memo stated that ensuring a substance-free work environment, especially in high-risk areas, is essential to the wellbeing of all employees and the overall performance of the organization.

All employees are expected to comply fully with the requirements of the program. Testing will be conducted randomly and routinely as stipulated in the Alcohol & Drug Monitoring Procedure (SHEQP 2.09).

The memo also warned that appropriate disciplinary procedures will apply in cases of non-compliance or policy violation.

Hwange

Teacher sentenced to 15 months for assaulting student with wooden stick

Published

2 weeks ago

July 28, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Hwange Magistrates’ Court has convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old teacher, Shyleen Nenduva, to 15 months imprisonment for brutally assaulting a 15-year-old grade 7 student.

According to court records, on July 9, Nenduva from Gwai, struck the student several times on the back with a wooden stick, punched him once in the chest, and violently pushed him onto a desk. The assault resulted in the student sustaining a swollen and painful right elbow.

The court heard that the incident occurred after the student misbehaved outside the classroom, prompting Nenduva to caution him. However, a misunderstanding ensued, leading to the physical altercation.

In sentencing Nenduva, the court suspended 6 months of the imprisonment term for 5 years. The remaining 9 months were suspended on condition that Nenduva performs 315 hours of community service.