UN Women and NAC Study Highlights High HIV Incidence Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe
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In a bid to curb the rising HIV incidence among young women in Zimbabwe, UN Women and NAC have unveiled a critical study highlighting the multifaceted challenges faced by Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Matabeleland South.
According to the 2019 National AIDS Council (NAC) and the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Global AIDS Response Progress Report, Zimbabwe’s HIV incidence stands at 0.49 per 1000 uninfected people, with Matabeleland South recording the highest incidence at 0.98.
In response to these alarming statistics, UN Women and NAC conducted a comprehensive study earlier this year to evaluate the effectiveness of existing HIV prevention programs targeting AGYW in Matabeleland South’s urban and peri-urban areas.
The study revealed a 0.76% HIV incidence rate among AGYW aged 15-24 years in the province, significantly higher than that of their male counterparts. Contributing factors include socioeconomic vulnerabilities, gender-based violence, limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, and harmful cultural norms.
On September 17, 2024, UN Women and NAC convened a multi-stakeholder meeting to discuss and validate the study findings. Participants included representatives from the MoHCC, Ministry of Women Affairs, UN agencies, AGYW from Matabeleland South, and various development and health sector partners. The meeting aimed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the barriers AGYW face in accessing health services and to advocate for safe sexual practices.
UN Women Gender and HIV Programme Specialist, Mrs. Redah Manga, emphasized the role of economic disparities in the high HIV incidence among AGYW. “Lack of economic opportunities has led to intergenerational relationships where AGYW lack the power to negotiate safe sex with older partners and engage in transactional sex to meet their economic needs,” she stated.
Mr. Ndumiso Hlabangana from the Ministry of Health and Child Care highlighted the vulnerability of AGYW due to societal gender disparities. “The study findings will enable the government and partners to refine strategies, ensuring AGYW can advocate for their health and well-being,” he said.
East and Southern Africa remain the epicentre of the global HIV epidemic, accounting for 55% of the world’s HIV-positive population. Despite Zimbabwe’s progress towards the global HIV 2025 targets, it ranks sixth in new infections within the region. This study aims to bolster national HIV response and prevention programs.
As Zimbabwe continues its fight against HIV, it is imperative for all stakeholders to unite in prioritizing the health and well-being of AGYW, ensuring a future where every young woman can thrive. This collaborative effort will pave the way for enhanced national HIV response initiatives in Zimbabwe