Hwange

PrEP pilot program aims to reduce HIV transmission in Hwange district

Published

4 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

Vic Falls man up for raping 13-year-old girl at knifepoint

Published

6 days ago

January 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY LWANDILE TSHUMA

A 43-year-old man from Chinotimba, Victoria Falls, has been remanded in custody for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl at knifepoint.

The court heard that on October 10, 2024, the accused entered the complainant’s bedroom while she was alone, armed with a knife, and forcefully undressed her before committing the crime. He then threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone.

The matter only came to light on January 12, when the young girl confided in her aunt about her ordeal.

The accused appeared before the court and was remanded in custody until January 28.

Hwange

Hwange Local Board impounds cattle: Owners urged to claim animals

Published

1 month ago

December 18, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Hwange Local Board is urging livestock farmers to come forward and claim their cattle that were impounded by Council Police last week.

According to a notice issued by Acting Town Secretary Paul Mabhureni, the 10 animals have been unclaimed for over a week and are currently being held at the impound yard.

Farmers with missing cattle are advised to visit the Hwange Local Board offices to identify and claim their animals.

A daily fee will be charged for each impounded animal, and if the animals remain unclaimed after a month, the Council will auction them off .

The Hwange Local Board is also warning livestock owners to take responsibility for managing and controlling the movement of their animals to prevent them from encroaching into residential areas.

Council Police have increased patrols to reduce the presence of stray animals in these areas.

Residents are encouraged to report any stray livestock to the Council immediately.

Hwange

Victoria Falls City Council meeting aborted due to lack of quorum

Published

1 month ago

December 17, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A full council meeting scheduled to take place at the Victoria Falls City Council today was aborted due to a lack of quorum.

The meeting, which was initially scheduled for Thursday, was fast forward to today in the wake of reports of confusion at Town House.

The meeting was called to discuss the suspension of Town Clerk Ronnie Dube who was suspended two weeks ago on corruption allegations.

It was further reported that it was also to rescind the Housing Director Brian Nyamande.

However, only five councillors attended, falling short of the required six to form a quorum.

According to Mayor Tuso Moyo, the meeting was urgent, but the lack of quorum prevented any progress.

However, residents’ associations disputed this agenda, stating that the meeting was against the will of the residents and that they were expecting it to take place on Thursday.

Hwange District Residents Association and Victoria Falls Combined Residents’ Association representatives and a few residents were gathered outside the boardroom, awaiting the outcome of the meeting.

The suspension of Dube has sparked controversy, with many calling for transparency and accountability.

The aborted meeting has only added to the uncertainty, leaving many questions unanswered, HWANDRA chair, Hebert Ncube said after the meeting.

“We also gather that the minister, Daniel Garwe, has summoned the two and the mayor, deputy mayor to Harare tomorrow where they just came from again last week. There is so much pressure to rescind the suspension of Dube, but we are saying, he should come here and talk to the people and let justice handle this, then he can be rescinded.”