Chinhoyi – Zimbabwe is ramping up its efforts to combat the HIV epidemic by expanding access to both HIV testing and counseling (HTC) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
The Ministry of Health and Child Care is prioritizing these interventions to reduce the spread of HIV, particularly among vulnerable populations. Speaking during a media workshop in Chinhoyi on Tuesday, Dr. Owen Mugurungi, Director of the Aids and TB Unit, outlined the government’s commitment to these initiatives during a recent presentation.
“Adolescents and young people are a key focus of our HIV prevention strategy,” said Dr. Mugurungi. “We are expanding our HIV testing and counseling services to be more youth-friendly and accessible.”
PrEP, a daily oral medication that significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection, is being scaled up as part of Zimbabwe’s comprehensive HIV prevention strategy. The Ministry of Health is focusing on providing PrEP to high-risk populations, including serodiscordant couples, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and young women.
“PrEP is an essential tool in our combination HIV prevention approach,” said Dr. Mugurungi. “We have seen positive results in areas where PrEP has been made widely available.”
Zimbabwe’s combination prevention approach, which integrates biomedical, behavioral, and structural interventions, is designed to address the diverse needs of different populations. PrEP is a central component of this strategy, but it must be combined with other prevention methods such as condoms, regular HIV testing, and treatment as prevention.
“PrEP alone is not enough; it must be part of a comprehensive approach,” Dr. Mugurungi explained.
The Ministry of Health is collaborating with international organizations and civil society groups to expand access to both HTC and PrEP. These partnerships are crucial in reaching vulnerable populations and delivering services at the community level.
“Collaboration with our partners has been essential in expanding our reach and providing the necessary resources,” Dr. Mugurungi said.
Zimbabwe’s efforts to expand HIV prevention services are aligned with the global 95-95-95 HIV targets, which aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART achieve viral suppression.
“Our goal is to end the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe,” Dr. Mugurungi concluded. “With sustained effort and commitment, I believe we can achieve this.”
The workshop is being attended by over 20 sports journalists as an invaluable opportunity to update the sector on the latest developments in the fight against HIV and related conditions.
With approximately 1.3 million people living with HIV, Zimbabwe’s epidemic remains a significant public health challenge. The Ministry of Health’s latest data shows a decline in new infections, yet the prevalence remains high in certain regions, particularly among young women.
Zimbabwe has made significant strides toward the global 95-95-95 HIV targets, with 95% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) knowing their status and 99% of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The country is edging closer to achieving epidemic control, though challenges remain in sustaining prevention efforts.
Condom promotion and sexually transmitted infection (STI) management have been pillars of Zimbabwe’s HIV prevention efforts since the early 1990s. The Ministry of Health continues to prioritize these programs to reduce transmission rates, particularly among key populations.
The workshop also saw Ivan Craig speak on TB
Sports Leaders Institute president Russell Mhiribidi
