Brunette Tshuma
On December 6, 2024, the National Aids Council (NAC) and its partners gathered in Bulawayo’s Amphitheater to commemorate World AIDS Day, an event aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic and promoting progress in prevention, treatment, and care.
This year’s theme, “Take the Right Path,” emphasizes the importance of health rights and addressing inequalities that hinder progress towards ending the epidemic by 2030.
Despite the celebrations marking the 37th World AIDS Day, the mood was somber as S. Nyathi, the Provincial Manager of NAC, expressed deep concern over the alarming statistics of new infections and deaths.
“Even though our response to HIV has recorded tremendous progress towards achieving the 95…target, we continue to record new HIV infections and we continue to have our people dying due to AIDS,” Nyathi stated.
She highlighted that over 15,000 new infections and over 17,000 deaths were recorded in 2023, underscoring that the epidemic remains a significant challenge.
Nyathi attributed the rising infection rates to a lack of awareness among young people.
“We’re at a time where we should not experience new HIV infections, but because people have low personal risk perception, they continue to infect themselves,” she explained.
Supporting Nyathi’s sentiments, Miss Chidadiso, a youth advocate, urged her peers to take charge of their health.
“As young people, we must take responsibility for our own health as we work together to support those affected by HIV,” she said.
“We’re the generation that can end AIDS, a generation that cannot be silenced, but we must demand our right to health, dignity, and life.”
On the contrary, the same youth is the same that is engaged in drug and Substance Abuse, alcohol abuse and wayward behavior.
The situation is exercerbated by the “freedom train” that has engulfed our societal norms. Most women have declared freedom to ‘do whatever’ they want with their bodies.
This is coupled with imbibing, taking of drugs, partying leading to unprotected sex.
In his address, Clr J. Mutangi of Bulawayo Ward 1 called for community solidarity in the fight against HIV.
“Our community plays a vital role in the fight against HIV through education, support, and compassion to break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination,” he stated.
The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to champion health rights and address the inequalities that hinder progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
As the NAC and community leaders rally for change, the message remains clear:
“My health, my right, our responsibility.”
Zim GBC News©2024