….90% of women tested in June Test Positive
….Amid High Mobility and Migration
By Kwedu News
A recent report by the Bulawayo City Council has revealed a staggering 90% HIV positivity rate among women aged 16-50 who underwent testing in June due to high mobility and migration to neighboring countries seeking employment.
The report shows that 2,641 out of 2,984 women tested positive for the virus, sparking concerns over a surge in cases in the Matabeleland region.
The National Aids Council (NAC) has attributed the high HIV incidence rate to the mobility of the population, particularly those working in neighboring countries like South Africa.
Due to limited economic activities in the southern parts of the country, as the country grapples with reviving the economy, most families/spouses are separated, and the economically active age groups migrate to neighbouring countries seeking sustainable livelihoods.
NAC Bulawayo Programmes Officer, Douglas Moyo, noted that migrants bring the virus back with them when they return home, contributing to the spread of HIV.
Matabeleland South Province has recorded the highest HIV rate in the nation, at 0.34%, followed by Matabeleland North at 0.24% for the month of June.
Bulawayo, however, has a lower rate of 0.13%, below the national average of 0.15%.
In response to the surge in cases, the Bulawayo City Council has strengthened its sexual and reproductive health services, including cervical and breast cancer screening, family planning, and post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual and gender-based violence survivors.
