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.