The Sunday News
THE HIV prevalence among pregnant women is high in Matabeleland region, a study has revealed.
Presenting a study carried out by the World Food Programme (WFP) to members of the Press in Bulawayo recently, National Aids Council (NAC) Bulawayo provincial co-ordinator Mrs Sinatra Nyathi said there was a need to focus on the Matabeleland region which had the highest HIV prevalence rate, especially among pregnant women.
“Highest HIV prevalence rates among pregnant women in 2012 were observed in Hwange, Nkayi, Insiza, Gwanda and Beitbridge, all of which are in Matabeleland. There is a need to focus on prevention in Matabeleland,” said Mrs Nyathi.
She, however, said HIV prevalence among pregnant women had been declining nationally from 2002 to 2012.
The NAC official expressed concern that HIV prevalence was still higher among women.
“Female HIV prevalence among women is generally higher than that of males over the years. Therefore, investments should prioritise female-focused interventions,” said Mrs Nyathi.
She said there were many reasons why HIV prevalence was high among women, such as failure by women to negotiate for safer sex.
“Women cannot negotiate for safer sex. They cannot decide when and how to have sex. Again women become sexually active at an earlier stage than boys,” said Mrs Nyathi.
“Women are more vulnerable to infection because the female genital organ is like a container. It allows the virus to multiply.”
Against this background, Mrs Nyathi said interventions should be female-focused.
“There is a higher risk for the 20-24 years to acquire new infections as they are practising unsafe sex as compared to the 15-19 year age group. More resources should be channelled towards sensitising this age group,” she said.
Zimbabwe reportedly has 14 more districts as potential hotspots for new HIV infections in addition to the traditional high prevalence districts in Matabeleland North and South.
The 14 districts include Bindura, Buhera, Centenary, Chegutu Urban, Chipinge, Epworth, Hurungwe, Makonde, Makoni, Mhondoro-Ngezi, Mount Darwin, Mutasa, Mutare, Nyanga, Shamva and Chipinge.
According to World Health Organisation, an HIV/Aids hotspot is defined as a geographical area or location with evidence of high prevalence of HIV, STIs or behaviours that put people at risk for acquiring HIV infection.
