Young women in Mangwe District are participating in HIV prevention programs that address their heightened vulnerability to infection. The Sista2Sista initiative trains ambassadors who mentor groups of 50 adolescent girls, providing education about sexual health, financial independence, and relationship dynamics.
Participants like Nokuthaba Siziba, 19, and Happiness Ndlovu, 21, report gaining knowledge that helps them make safer choices while developing income-generating activities. Mentor Liluba Ngwenya conducts weekly sessions with non-school-going girls aged 10 to 24, covering topics designed to equip them with protective information.
National Aids Council official Elenny Mpofu emphasized the program's importance, noting that Mangwe records a 16.8 percent HIV prevalence rate with the highest incidence among those aged 15 to 49 in Matabeleland South. Statistics show concentrated infections among women aged 20 to 24, while teenagers account for significant antenatal care bookings, underscoring the urgent need for targeted youth interventions.
Participants like Nokuthaba Siziba, 19, and Happiness Ndlovu, 21, report gaining knowledge that helps them make safer choices while developing income-generating activities. Mentor Liluba Ngwenya conducts weekly sessions with non-school-going girls aged 10 to 24, covering topics designed to equip them with protective information.
National Aids Council official Elenny Mpofu emphasized the program's importance, noting that Mangwe records a 16.8 percent HIV prevalence rate with the highest incidence among those aged 15 to 49 in Matabeleland South. Statistics show concentrated infections among women aged 20 to 24, while teenagers account for significant antenatal care bookings, underscoring the urgent need for targeted youth interventions.
