Too much mjolo and unprotected lula lula in Matabeleland province: Minister’s report reveals

Harare – The fight against HIV in Zimbabwe continues, with recent statistics revealing a persistent disparity in prevalence rates across the country. While the national average hovers around 10%, Matabeleland South and North remain stubbornly higher, with figures reaching 17.3% and 14.5% respectively, supposedly suggesting that there could be higher levels of unprotected sex and sexual misconduct in the said provinces.

This stark reality has prompted a renewed call for targeted interventions and a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to these regional disparities.

The alarming figures were revealed by Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora during a parliamentary session, prompting a flurry of questions and concerns from lawmakers.

“While acknowledging the disparity, Mombeshora said determining the exact reasons for the higher rates in Matabeleland South and North would require detailed analysis by provincial medical directors,” reported the Herald.

This emphasis on local analysis reflects a growing recognition that a one-size-fits-all approach to HIV prevention and treatment is inadequate. The Minister’s call for tailored interventions highlights the need to address specific challenges and vulnerabilities within each region.

“This information would help identify local challenges and tailor corrective measures accordingly,” the Minister added, underscoring the importance of a data-driven approach to tackling the epidemic.

While Matabeleland grapples with a higher HIV burden, the nation has made significant strides in reducing the overall prevalence rate.

“We expect this number to decline, partly due to natural population loss and the birth of HIV-negative children thanks to modern treatments,” Mombeshora stated, highlighting the positive impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the epidemic.

Despite these successes, the Minister acknowledged the ongoing need for sustainable funding beyond donor support.

“The National AIDS Council, through the National AIDS Trust Fund set up by the government, has significantly supported programmes that brought down the prevalence rate from almost 30% at the peak of the epidemic to the current figures,” Mombeshora explained. “A prevalence rate of 10% may seem alarming, but considering that we have brought it down from almost 30%, it has been a lot of progress.”

However, the Minister’s optimism was tempered by concerns raised by Emakhandeni-Luveve MP Discent Bajila, who highlighted the country’s dependence on imported contraceptives and condoms.

“Are we going to move towards local manufacturing of these products if international partners withdraw their support?” Bajila asked, raising a crucial question about the long-term sustainability of the HIV response.

Mombeshora acknowledged the current reliance on imports but expressed a desire to bolster local manufacturing capabilities.

“Currently, Zimbabwe does not manufacture these products. We have an agreement with an Indian company to manufacture oral contraceptives specifically for Zimbabwe. In the case of condoms, we procure them from various sources,” Mombeshora said. “While we do not rely entirely on donor funding for contraceptives, we purchase them from Treasury funds and distribute them free of charge to women and adolescent girls in need.”

The Minister’s comments highlight the need for a multifaceted approach to HIV prevention, encompassing not only access to healthcare and treatment but also the availability of essential commodities like contraceptives and condoms.

Mombeshora also revealed plans to collaborate with entities capable of facilitating local manufacturing capabilities.

“We have visited many manufacturing facilities, especially in Egypt, where local production is highly developed,” he added, expressing hope for a future where Zimbabwe can produce its own contraceptives and condoms.

The Minister also addressed concerns regarding the accessibility of condoms, particularly for vulnerable groups.

“Condoms distributed through global funds and the National AIDS Council are free of charge. If condoms are sold, they may not be from our supply. We recently faced storage space issues at NATPHAM and decided to distribute more condoms to create space for the medicines and other supplies coming in,” Mombeshora said. “I cannot confirm whether the condoms sold are our free supplies that are being misused.”

These statements underscore the importance of ensuring equitable access to essential commodities, particularly for vulnerable populations who may face barriers to obtaining them.

While the nation celebrates the progress made in reducing HIV prevalence, the persistent challenges in Matabeleland demand a focused and tailored approach. The Minister’s call for detailed analysis and targeted interventions reflects a commitment to addressing the regional disparities and ensuring a more equitable response to the HIV epidemic.