By Johnson Siamachira
Harare, (New Ziana) – On a sunlit afternoon in the eastern border city of Mutare, 18-year-old Tendai Mwandiyambira sits on a bench outside a bustling clinic, nervously fiddling with the hem of her shirt. Like many young people in Zimbabwe, she faces the weight of an invisible burden, living with HIV. “I used to feel so alone,” she admits, her voice barely above a whisper.
“But now, I know I’m part of something bigger.” Mwandiyambira’s story mirrors the changing landscape of HIV care in Zimbabwe, where innovative monitoring approaches are reshaping lives and offering hope.
The Zimbabwean government, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), has introduced a robust HIV Case-Based Surveillance (CBS) system. Launched in August 2017, this initiative is a pivotal step towards the nation’s goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has recognised that to tackle the epidemic effectively, a tailored understanding of local dynamics is essential. Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga, the provincial medical director for Manicaland, emphasises the importance of localised data.
“We must understand the unique factors that lead to new infections in adolescents and key populations,” he says. “The CBS system allows us to tailor our interventions based on real-time data.” The CBS system, operational as a pilot project in Mutare and Umzingwane districts, collects and analyses demographic and health data from newly diagnosed individuals
. Each case is documented meticulously, capturing possible routes of transmission and enabling healthcare providers to track patients throughout their treatment journey. In Umzingwane district in Matabeleland South Province, Dr. Andrew Muza echoes Dr Mukuzunga’s sentiments, stating, “This system isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people. It helps us to see who is most at risk and how we can support them.”
The CBS model has shown promise since its implementation, with initial evaluations indicating that the system effectively utilises existing health infrastructure. However, challenges remain. Dr. Aspect Maunganidze, Permanent Secretary in the MoHCC, points out that while the system is well-designed, enhancements such as geo-coordinates for mapping infection hotspots could significantly improve its efficacy. “Identifying and addressing the unique characteristics of different communities is vital for our success,” he notes
As the CBS system gains traction, patients like Mwandiyambira are beginning to feel the effects. “I’ve been able to meet others like me,” she says, her eyes lighting up. “We talk, we share our fears, and we learn together.” The sense of community fostered through these programs is invaluable, reinforcing that no one is alone in their journey.
Telehealth initiatives are also on the rise, particularly in urban centres like Harare. These innovations aim to provide care and support remotely, ensuring that even those in the most vulnerable situations receive the help they need. Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care, highlights the potential of these technologies. “Telehealth can bridge gaps, especially when access to healthcare facilities is limited,” he explains.
However, the road ahead is fraught with obstacles. Limited training for healthcare workers and inadequate infrastructure pose significant challenges. “We need to invest in training and resources to ensure our workers can leverage these tools effectively,” says Muza. The CBS system, which combines electronic and paper-based tracking, also faces scrutiny regarding data handling. Initial evaluations revealed gaps in data reporting, with only a fraction of cases being logged into the electronic health record system. “We are actively working to improve on this,” Dr. Mukuzunga assures.
“Training is essential to empower our data clerks and ensure accurate reporting.” The importance of data-driven decision-making cannot be overstated. With enhanced monitoring, Zimbabwe can better understand its epidemic, identify new infection hotspots, and implement targeted interventions.
“Every piece of data is a step closer to controlling this epidemic,” says Maunganidze. In a world where HIV remains a pressing public health issue—affecting millions globally—Zimbabwe’s proactive approach signifies a beacon of hope. The integration of case-based surveillance and eHealth innovations not only enhances the country’s response to the epidemic but also aligns with global efforts to achieve universal health coverage. As Mwandiyambira prepares to leave the clinic, she looks back with a smile.
“I know I can live a full life,” she says, embodying the resilience of a generation determined to overcome. With continued support and commitment, Zimbabwe may indeed be on the path to ending AIDS by 2030.
In the words of Dr Mombeshora, “Together, we can transform lives, one patient at a time.” The fight against HIV is far from over, but the strides made today set the foundation for a healthier tomorrow.
New Ziana
