BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
“Adults are not disclosing the HIV status of children born with the virus, leading to a high burden of death among adolescents,” warns Hwange District Medical Officer Fungai Musinami.
Musinami emphasizes that the failure to disclose HIV status to children is resulting in defaulting on treatment, leading to sickness and death.
“These children are told they are taking medication for their stomachs, without being informed about their HIV status,” she says.
“When they reach adolescence and want to form relationships, they are unaware of their status, leading to defaulting on treatment and ultimately death.”
Musinami stresses that adults need to be aware of the importance of disclosure and the services available to support them.
“We have services within the Ministry of Health to assist with disclosure and support groups for adolescents living with HIV,” she says.
“However, many children are not accessing these support groups, which are crucial for their well-being.”
Zimbabwe has made significant progress in HIV treatment, achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target last year.
However, Musinami’s warning highlights the need for continued efforts to address the challenges faced by adolescents living with HIV.
“We need to ensure that these children are aware of their status and receive the necessary support to adhere to treatment and lead healthy lives.” she concludes.