Johnson Progress

Zvishavane, a bustling mining town in Zimbabwe, is grappling with a surge in HIV infections, primarily driven by residents’ reluctance to use condoms.

According to Shumba Mambewu, National Aids Council (NAC) Midlands provincial manager, the town has become a hotspot for HIV transmission.

Current statistics reveal that Zvishavane has an incidence rate of 0.28%, marking a decline from 0.39% in 2020.

However, health experts attribute the persistence of the virus to risky sexual behavior.

“Zvishavane has people who are not using condoms at all. Infections are there,” Mambewu said, highlighting the urgent need for condom use.

The town’s thriving mining economy has attracted artisanal miners, truckers, vendors, and sex workers, creating a volatile mix that fuels HIV transmission.

Mambewu warned that this behavior exposes individuals to HIV, stating, “People still say they don’t enjoy sex with protection, but this behavior exposes them to HIV.”

With over 165,000 people living with HIV in the Midlands and a prevalence rate of 10.5% among the sexually active population, NAC has cautioned that Zvishavane’s booming mining economy could exact a heavy price if condom rejection persists.

The province’s HIV prevalence rate varies across districts, with Zvishavane recording the highest rate at 16.37%, followed by Shurugwi at 14.64% and Mberengwa at 13.4%.

Health officials are urging residents to prioritize condom use and safe sex practices to combat the spread of HIV.

As Mambewu emphasized, the rejection of condoms is a significant contributor to the rising infections in Zvishavane.

The NAC is working to intensify community awareness campaigns and promote HIV prevention efforts in the region.