The Government says adolescents and young people aged between 15 and 24 account for more than half of all new HIV infections recorded annually in Harare Metropolitan Province, with 1 341 of the province’s 2 644 new cases occurring within that age group. Authorities are now intensifying awareness campaigns and behaviour change programmes to reverse the trend.
Addressing a HIV and AIDS sensitisation workshop for provincial heads of Government departments in Mazowe, Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Shingirayi Mushamba, said the rise in new infections among young people remained a major concern despite notable progress in reducing overall HIV and tuberculosis cases.
The workshop, organised by the National AIDS Council (NAC), brought together senior Government officials to strengthen coordination in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Dr Mushamba said 2025 estimates indicate that Harare Metropolitan Province has 195 429 people living with HIV, representing a prevalence rate of 8.4 percent. The province records about 2 644 new HIV infections every year, with 1 341 of those cases affecting young people aged between 15 and 24.
He said the figures underscored the urgent need for targeted interventions in schools, colleges, universities and communities where young people spend much of their time.
“While we have made commendable progress in reducing HIV and TB cases overall, the increase in infections among young people aged 15 to 24 is worrying. These are the people who represent the country’s future, and we must act decisively,” said Dr Mushamba.
He said Government would strengthen collaboration with schools, parents, local authorities, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, NAC, Government institutions and development partners to implement coordinated programmes aimed at reducing new infections.
Dr Mushamba said it was important to confront the realities facing young people by ensuring they receive accurate information on HIV prevention and have access to essential health services.
“We cannot ignore the fact that some young people become sexually active from the age of 15. Our responsibility is to provide them with the right knowledge, guidance and support through targeted education and behaviour change initiatives,” he said.
He added that the province was committed to reducing new HIV infections through comprehensive prevention programmes supported by all stakeholders.
Dr Mushamba also expressed concern over the emergence of so-called “vuzu” and porn parties, where groups engage in risky sexual activities that are sometimes recorded and shared on social media.
He warned that such behaviour significantly increased the risk of HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections while exposing young people to harmful influences driven by the desire for online popularity.
“We are working closely with NAC, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and other partners to promote healthy lifestyles, encourage responsible behaviour and build communities that uphold positive values,” he said.
Dr Mushamba said Government would continue expanding HIV prevention initiatives while ensuring that people exposed to HIV can access Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) within the recommended timeframe to reduce the risk of infection.
NAC Harare Provincial Manager Mr Adonijah Muzondiona said Harare continued to record the country’s highest HIV burden because of its large population, resulting in both the highest number of people living with HIV and the highest number of new infections.
He said NAC’s mandate includes coordinating Zimbabwe’s multi-sectoral response to HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and emerging public health challenges, including non-communicable diseases.
Mr Muzondiona said the sensitisation meeting targeted members of the Provincial Development Committee, who oversee Government ministries, departments and agencies, so they could share HIV prevention information throughout their institutions and communities.
“Our goal is to equip these leaders to become ambassadors for HIV prevention so that the message reaches workplaces, families and communities across the province,” he said.
He noted that adolescent girls and young women continued to account for the highest number of new HIV infections, although infections among adolescent boys and young men were also increasing.
Mr Muzondiona said other vulnerable groups included sex workers, long-distance truck and bus crews, informal traders, artisanal miners and other key populations whose occupations and lifestyles placed them at greater risk of HIV infection.
He said expanding community-based prevention programmes, increasing awareness and promoting safer sexual practices would be essential to reducing new HIV infections and achieving Zimbabwe’s national HIV response targets.