Chimanimani new STI & HIV infections hotspot ‼️

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CHIMANIMANI has emerged among the top three districts in Manicaland Province, alongside Mutare and Makoni, with the highest number of new HIV infections, according to the National AIDS Council (NAC).

This development comes as the province continues efforts to curb new HIV infections, through ongoing awareness and prevention campaigns.

In an interview, NAC Manicaland provincial manager, Mr Artwell Shiridzinomwa confirmed that Chimanimani, previously not among the top-ranking districts, has now become one of the new hotspots.

“Chimanimani was previously not among the districts with high HIV infection rates, but it has recently emerged as one of the top three districts in the province, alongside Mutare and Makoni,” said Mr Shiridzinomwa.

He explained that the reasons behind the sudden increase in cases in Chimanimani are being investigated, but several social and economic factors could be contributing to the trend.

“We are analysing data to determine the causes of this rise. However, factors such as family separation, economic migration, and artisanal mining may be playing a role,” he said, noting that many men from Chimanimani migrate to South Africa in search of economic opportunities, leaving their spouses behind for extended periods.

“Young men often go to South Africa, spending extended periods there while their wives remain behind. Cross-border movement between Chimanimani and Mozambique could also be contributing to the spread,” he said.

The district hosts several timber and tea estates, where workers live in isolated communities with limited access to HIV services.

Mr Shiridzinomwa said NAC has introduced wellness programmes in these plantations to reach such populations.

“We are targeting these plantations with wellness programmes, ensuring that HIV services are available on-site. Community volunteers run programmes within the estates and farms, providing testing, prevention, and counselling services. These populations were previously underserved, being somewhat disconnected from the main community,” he said.

Mr Shiridzinomwa attributed the high HIV prevalence in Makoni and Mutare districts to the nature of economic activities, which create high mobility and social interaction.

“Makoni is largely a farming district, and during the tobacco marketing season, there is significant movement and interaction, increasing the risk of HIV transmission. Economic activity often leads to an increase in sex work, creating points of interaction between local communities and outsiders that can drive new infections,” he said.

He also pointed to Mutare’s growing economic corridor linking Zimbabwe to Mozambique’s Beira Port, which sees heavy truck traffic, as another risk factor.

“The Beira Corridor has led to an influx of long-distance truck drivers who spend extended periods away from home. Areas along the highway, particularly near truck parking spaces and service stations, experience high levels of sexual activity, contributing to the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs),” he said.

To address the rising numbers, NAC has intensified its prevention and outreach programmes in Manicaland.

Mr Shiridzinomwa said NAC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and other partners, is ensuring that condoms, testing kits, and other commodities are readily available in high-risk zones.

“We cannot stop people from having sex, but we can encourage them to do so safely. We are ensuring that HIV prevention commodities are accessible everywhere, in clinics, communities, and workplaces, to empower people to protect themselves and their families,” he said.

NAC is also intensifying behavioural change campaigns, targeting key populations and high-risk groups, including miners, truck drivers, plantation workers, and young people.

“Our focus is on raising awareness and providing tools for safer choices. We are increasing access to testing, enabling people to know their status early and access treatment if needed,” said Mr Shiridzinomwa.

He stressed that although HIV prevalence in Manicaland has remained stable, the rise in new infections indicates that more work is needed to curb risky behaviours and reach vulnerable populations.

“Makoni, Buhera, and Mutare remain high-burden districts, but Chimanimani’s emergence as a new hotspot highlights the ongoing fight against HIV. We must continue scaling up prevention, education, and treatment efforts,” he said.

NAC continues to partner with local authorities, traditional leaders, and community health workers to strengthen local HIV response strategies.

“HIV is still with us, and silence will not help. Open discussion and preventive measures are crucial to protecting our communities and future generations,” said Mr Shiridzinomwa.