The National AIDS Council urged journalists in Mashonaland Central Province to help shape public attitudes and drive behavior change in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Provincial manager Edgar Muzulu told reporters at a three-day training workshop in Bindura that media outlets serve as a vital bridge between health authorities and communities.
Mashonaland Central reports an HIV prevalence rate of 8.5 percent, which sits below the national average, with an incidence rate of 0.13 percent. The province nears global 95-95-95 targets for people aged 15 to 49, though children aged 0 to 14 face gaps in accessing antiretroviral therapy.
Mining districts such as Mazowe, Bindura, Shamva, Mount Darwin, and Guruve show higher infection rates due to mobile populations and risky behaviors. Officials noted that most infant infections happen among mothers who skip antenatal care.
The council promotes HIV testing, condom distribution, male circumcision, and pre-exposure prophylaxis as prevention strategies. Health workers also connect HIV response efforts with programs addressing hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer.
Mashonaland Central reports an HIV prevalence rate of 8.5 percent, which sits below the national average, with an incidence rate of 0.13 percent. The province nears global 95-95-95 targets for people aged 15 to 49, though children aged 0 to 14 face gaps in accessing antiretroviral therapy.
Mining districts such as Mazowe, Bindura, Shamva, Mount Darwin, and Guruve show higher infection rates due to mobile populations and risky behaviors. Officials noted that most infant infections happen among mothers who skip antenatal care.
The council promotes HIV testing, condom distribution, male circumcision, and pre-exposure prophylaxis as prevention strategies. Health workers also connect HIV response efforts with programs addressing hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer.
