The Sunday News
Lungile Tshuma Sunday News Correspondent
MORE than 1 200 households in Bulawayo will be visited for the country’s door-to-door HIV testing as part of the Zimbabwe Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (Zimphia) survey that aims to measure the burden of HIV and the impact of Zimbabwe’s HIV prevention, care and treatment services. At least 6 700 people have been
tested for HIV since the survey started in mid-October last year. The survey has so far covered Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North and parts of Manicaland Province. In Bulawayo the survey will start this month.
“The target is to collect data from about 15 000 households across the country. Zimphia survey teams will visit an estimated 1 288 households in Bulawayo Province,” reads the statement from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“The results from the survey will act as a baseline to benchmark progress towards the UNAIDS’ 90-90-90 targets and help to focus programmes and resources towards populations at greatest risk for HIV and in most need of services. Zimphia results will also assist to guide future investments in health.”
The Ministry further encourages people to actively participate in the programme.
“Maximum participation and co-operation by communities and the selected households will ensure the success of the survey. Zimphia field teams carrying the health ministry’s identification will visit only the randomly selected households in order to invite people to take part in the survey. All men, women, and children in the household are encouraged to participate by responding to survey questions and getting tested,” said the statement.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said the survey is going to play a critical role in policy making as the results will help guide the country on how to best address challenges that are brought about by the pandemic.
Earlier, centre for Aids Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP) at Columbia University, Dr Godfrey Musuku, who is spearheading the programme together with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, said people have warmly welcomed the survey which is expected to end in April this year.
